Our local pharmacist informed me I needed to make an appointment with my doctor about some trivial, yet annoying health conditions. I hate going to the doctors and have seen enough of hospitals and medical environments to last a lifetime. Ostrich syndrome has no cure.

The only way to book an appointment with a doctor is to get up at sunrise ready to dial and redial the surgery in the hope of managing to secure an appointment on that day. Generally you fail, but with no option to book an advance appointment, you have to keep doing the same thing, day after day. After a week of failure you tend to give up and are so exhausted from early rising, you tend not to care either.

But, a friend informed me our local Community Hospital have recently set up a drop-in centre, open to all, where you can go and discuss health probems and receive advice. So, off I trotted there today and I have to say what an excellent service it turned out to be.

Receptionists were human beings and actually smiled. After filling in a short form I took a seat in the waiting area and within a few minutes was invited to see a nurse. She smiled too, admired my handbag and didn't appear to be in a hurry. I spent forty minutes with her, discussing everything from the weather, dementia, family, the meaning of life and the price of carrots.

She was caring, sympathetic, non-judgemental and a breath of fresh air. I've been diagnosed with a stress-induced skin condition with a very long name I can't remember, a stress-associated infection and high blood pressure, probably brought on by stress. Without stress, it seems I may be the picture of health.

She was very concerned about my stress levels and not surprised when I described my circumstances. Questions ensued.

Do I have any help with my Dad from Social Services? HA HA

Do I get any chance to enjoy a holiday? HA HA

Do I have any time to pursue my own interests? HA HA

Have I been offered counselling to discuss my problems? HA HA

Is there anyone who can share the load? HA HA

Well, they say laughter is the best medicine. I walked away with creams, antihistamine tablets, aqueous washing lotion and instructions not to wear perfume, jewellery, cosmetics, make-up or nail varnish. Now, that is NOT funny, although I may be a hit around Halloween without them.

So, it seems I need a prescription to reduce the stresses of life. But until someone comes up with that, I'll keep self-medicating the only way I know how. Cheers...here's to stress...God bless her and all who suffer from her...hic.