Karoshimimasho

Or (very) loosely translated (according to my internal japanese-english dictionary), "let's work ourselves to death".

I have high blood pressure. At 33, I am Hypertensive Stage 1. 140/110. Yikes. That IS high, isn't it?

Now, I can count myself honorary Japanese who have coined the term "karoshi" which means "death by overwork". It might seem amusing now, but the episode leading to this discovery was very sobering.

I usually get these killer migraines before and after my period. No biggie, I thought coz I chalk it to my hormones. Hormones are the culprit. So when I got this nagging, throbbing, persistent knocking in my head, I really didn't think much of it. I blamed my super late day and nights and the usual irritations that projects bring... cos we were setting up this exhibit. I told myself I would pop me a painkiller, like I always do and sleep...

It was a small miracle that I was able to function last Wednesday despite the discomfort. The veins in my head were pounding and I was feeling nauseous and ready to puke anytime... and to me, that's a big thing. It is rare that I puke (cos I don't want to waste good food. hehehe), unlike my sister who tickles her tonsils to relieve herself when she gets these migraines before and after her period. See? We have the same predilection.

When I arrived at home, I went straight for my bed and tried to sleep away the pain. When my sister offered to get me a Dolfenal (at last!) for my pain, and which I quickly took, the reaction was almost instant! (For the queasy, bear with me... this is relevant) I puked my breakfast (squash & leafy things) and lunch (Jollibee burger), liquefied! Exorcist proportions! And then, (this is the scary part) I puked liquid pa rin, pero now, mixed with blood. Blood!!! Not in streaks, like phlegm, but liquid!

My gosh! I was just watching Season 1 of "Grey's Anatomy" and bloody excretion is not good...

So anyway, I have high blood already which I am taking Norvasc for. Never have I imagined that I will be taking a hypertensive drug --- I thought I should take aspirin, but not Norvasc! And I had blood tests and x-rays taken to diagnose the bloody puke.

Which brings me back to karoshi. Before our activity opened, I was with my boss. He told me that I had "hijime" or "hiimeji" or something that sounded like that which meant loyalty ot dedication to work. I jokingly told him it was martyrdom (and silently told myself, katangahan), and seriously told him, I just wanted to have good work done.

Now I wonder. Having this condition instantly gives you perspective. That work is work and just a means for you to enjoy life. Now I will leave work at 530 or at the latest 6pm. I will limit my red meat, junk food (full of salt!) and fatty meals. Consume more veggies, fruits, healthy seafood. Since I am not a smoker and a (very) occasional social drinker, I will instead, concentrate on getting enough exercise and sleep.

Wish me luck! Gambatte kudasai!