As I scrolled through a dozen long, jargon-filled emails, my phone’s high-pitched ringtone echoed through the room. ‘Argh!’ I winced, putting my hands on my head and feeling the pulsing ache.
It was summer 2016, and this headache would not pass. I’d been feeling unwell for a while, but blamed the orthodontic work I’d had to straighten my teeth the year before for putting pressure on my head and jaw. It was either that or the endless stream of emails, meetings, and phone calls involved in my divorce from my ex, Patrick.
Our split after 13 years together was amicable, but the complex paperwork meant I was constantly stressed and often worried about our son Max, then three, and making sure he was always our top priority.
‘That sort of stress would make you feel unwell, right?’ I’d said to friends when they’d asked how I was doing.
I pondered a million different reasons for the awful, months-long headache and constant nausea. I’d convinced myself it was nothing serious, but I was dizzy sometimes, too, and had tingling in my eyes.
I’d usually be up early and out running miles but now spent longer and longer in bed, unable to muster the energy to exercise. I went back and forth to the doctors, who all agreed with me that it was just divorce stress or a side effect of the orthodontic work.
In November, Max and I joined my parents, Mike, then 74, and Brenda, 70, on a trip to Center Parcs, but, rather than being the relaxing weekend I needed, with bike rides and swimming, I spent the entire time in bed with what I thought was a sinus infection.
‘This isn’t like you,’ Mum fretted.
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin January 05, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin January 05, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?