After being told they needed surgery, the narrator kept postponing it for two years. They gradually changed their life around the problem, avoiding stairs, running and anything that might make things worse. Eventually they booked the operation despite being terrified. After recovering, they realised how much of their life they had quietly organised around avoiding something they were afraid of.

Health

I ignored chest symptoms for months because I was 'too busy'

Chest tightness for months. Kept deciding it wasn't the moment to deal with it. Then it was A&E and a doctor choosing her words carefully.