Where The Heck Has Jennifer Been?

I guess my dedicated readers have noticed that I’ve been missing in action for most of the last several weeks. Here’s the scoop. I’ve been struggling with the after-effects of a hip replacement I had two years ago. Things didn’t go as well as they should have. I was left with nerve and tendon damage which effects my ability to walk up stairs, exercise, and drive (among other things). After a bad reaction to a steroid injection, I’d had enough.

I went to hospital in Baltimore (no, not re-hab) to help with the steroid overdose and get my pain management under control. I saw lots of doctors to see if anything could be fixed. Sadly, no. I have to live with what’s been done. The good news is that they taught me how to do that. Acupuncture, massage (can’t complain there!) are part of the regimen. I’ve got a new diet plan based on the way my brain thinks (cool!). Finally, I learned something called “Radical Acceptance”. Basically, if you can truly accept that something you’re really struggling to accept is the way it is and isn’t going to change (like the physical damage to my leg) your pain is lessened by the mind-body connection. Believe it or not, my pain has become my friend and I am learning to live each day mindfully. It was an amazing process and I’m so glad I took the time to do it.

I spent the holidays at my brother’s home in Baltimore, which happens to be my home town. I’m now back in Detroit and getting back to work. I thank you for your forbearance and hope you will come back to Design Hole on a regular basis again.