I’m not a very sedentary person. Sitting still is not my strong suit. If I’m sitting down I’m usually tapping my foot. In bed, I rock my feet back and forth before going to sleep. I’m normally not aware I’m doing it until one of my cats, usually Skye, pounces and bites through the bedspread, latching on to my toes.

But a couple months ago I found myself more fatigued than usual. I knew something was amiss while playing tennis when my energy level plummeted and I became winded playing doubles. Nobody gets winded in doubles. Plus I was short of breath just walking upstairs.

Then I started taking naps and I never take naps. No doubt my dogs were confused seeing me on the sofa at 4:00 in the afternoon. No, they can’t tell time, but they definitely sense when we take our afternoon walks. Therefore, they probably assumed I was dead and were upset I didn’t have the decency to die after our walk, when they always get a treat.

This prompted me to schedule my annual checkup. I also wanted a colonoscopy since my grandma died of colon cancer and 18 years had passed since my last scope. But my doctor ignored my continual requests. I’m telling ya, booking that appointment was almost as difficult as it was to pass my college Statistics class.

But since I’m older now (and hopefully wiser), I basically insisted. Yep, I surely did. And while at it, I also said to throw in a bone scan because I’d apparently shrunk a half inch since last year. Osteoporosis, here I come. Almost as depressing, I’m now the same height as my once-shorter friend, Hilary, who loves to gloat.

Anyway, blood tests were ordered and a few days later I learned I had occult “hidden” blood loss in my gastrointestinal tract. What did that mean? No idea, and nobody called to explain. So I looked it up (which I don’t recommend) and read that it could indicate colon cancer, among other less scary things. Well, that didn’t sound good. What was causing the blood loss, where was it hiding, and why?

Soon I received an email scheduling a colonoscopy but also an endoscopy — basically one scope up the rear and one down the throat. And as all of you know who’ve had this procedure, the worst part is drinking 128 ounces of that gross bowel cleansing solution. Word of advice: plug your nose and follow each 8 oz. cup with a 7-up chaser. It really helps eliminate the taste.

Also, iron was essentially non-existent in my bloodstream so I’m definitely anemic, thus my fatigue. Now that I’m on a supersonic dose of iron, I’m waiting for more energy. And I’m waiting. And waiting…

I also have low triglycerides which could mean my fat intake is too low. Well, yay! Now we’re talkin’. My being 99% vegetarian may be the reason. But I do love sweets, which are loaded with fat, so go figure. Let’s assume the two balance each other out — roasted vegetables followed by a brownie (or two). Hey fat, come to Momma!

Now don’t get me wrong; I’m actually quite healthy overall. My multitude of test results are perfectly normal. I take no medication, I’m active and rarely sick. (I’ve also probably just jinxed myself.) Also, the doctor who did the colonoscopy sent an email saying my colon is fine and I don’t need to do that again for 10 years.

The endoscopy results, however, came back essentially normal, although they can’t explain the blood loss or if it has stopped. So what exactly does essentially mean in my case? I couldn’t reach the doctor but whomever answered my call reviewed the results and said that everything is fine, no need to worry.

Essentially speaking, that doesn’t make me feel any better.