I THOUGHT I WAS JUST BLOATED
Essentials|February 2020
Sara Foster blamed the changes to her body on her morning toast. If only she had known the warning signs sooner…
I THOUGHT I WAS JUST BLOATED

As a mom of three, I firmly believe that women are in tune with their own bodies. From that first pang of period pains, to the shift and change of pregnancy, we’re always learning to interpret what every twinge means. But sometimes the signs aren’t so easy to read, as I should know. It was the beginning of May 2017 when I began to feel bloated and uncomfortable. Glimpsing my reflection in the mirror, I didn’t look noticeably bloated, but something just didn’t feel right. I’d tried bypassing bread in the morning and grabbing an apple instead. Ever since my eldest daughter Lauren, then 22, and my son Zac, 20, had moved out, I’d returned to work part-time as a dental nurse. I loved my job, but with my 15-year-old daughter Emily still at home, I always tried to get back to make dinner for us. Recently, though, I’d been plagued by an exhaustion so consuming that by the end of the day I was almost too tired to cook. Collapsing on the couch, I could’ve fallen asleep, which wasn’t like me at all.

Finally, by June 2017, I decided to book an appointment with my GP. After examining my stomach, the doctor said she would refer me for a blood test that afternoon. I went back to work afterwards and carried on as normal. Only the next morning, the GP called. ‘Sara, your blood tests have returned and I’d like to refer you for an ultrasound,’ she said. Immediately, I felt a flicker of panic.

DEVASTATING NEWS

Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ESSENTIALSSe alt
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020