In
2008, cozy mystery, paranormal romance, and inspirational writer Joanne took
advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would
tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills.
She began by publishing articles and book reviews in newspapers, magazines, and
online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring
theme in her novels and short stories. Learn more about Joanne and her books at
her website.
Dealing with my Achilles Tendon
I limped into my doctor’s office
and described the muscle spasms in my right calf that had morphed into
excruciating ankle pain. While speaking, my mind raced through possible remedies:
physiotherapy (my preferred choice) or anti-inflammatory medication (I would
grit my teeth and endure the nausea and upset stomach).
“You’re having problems with your
Achilles tendon,” he said after inspecting my calf and ankle. “A boot will do
the trick.”
“Excuse me?”
“An Air Cast Boot,” he
said while writing out a prescription. “You can pick one up at the Home Health
Care Center across the street. Wear the boot for four to six weeks and your
tendon will be back to normal.”
“What if I just rest and take it
easy for a week? Maybe take some Tylenol 3...or something stronger?”
“Do you want to limp for the rest
of your life?”
A bit extreme, I thought, but I
was in no position to argue. At the Center, I listened as the sales associate
explained the boot’s benefits. Wearing it would slowly and safely restore
strength in my tendon while keeping the foot and ankle at a constant angle. She
also showed me how to inflate and deflate the boot, but my mind was elsewhere.
There was no way I could drive,
take the stairs, or walk on uneven terrain wearing that boot. And while I could
remove it for showering and sleeping, I would have to wear the boot for at
least ten hours a day.
After two days of complaining
about my “new” restrictions, I decided to focus on my blessings and emerging
positives:
I started with a shift in
perspective. In 2004, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and had
to undergo ten months of grueling treatments. In comparison, wearing an Air
Cast Boot for six weeks would be a cakewalk.
The injury was a minor sprain and
not one that would require a hard cast and months of physiotherapy.
My extended health benefits
covered 80 percent of the boot’s cost.
I was grateful for the elevator
in my condo building and the well-maintained grounds that enabled me to walk
freely and confidently.
Whenever I ventured outside, I
had renewed appreciation for ramps, elevators, automatic doors, and main
level entrances.
Wearing a boot slowed me down and
made me more mindful of each action taken. If it wasn’t necessary or pleasant,
I let it go.
After meeting with a foot
specialist, I learned that improper footwear may have contributed to my
Achilles tendon problem. I retired my heeled shoes and invested in Clarkes,
Trotters, and Etonic running shoes. Whenever I wear my new shoes, I know that
my feet and ankles are comfortable and well-supported.
Bliss!
A Season for Killing Blondes
Hours before the opening of her
career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl
Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s
life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high
school crush, conducts the investigation.
When three more dead blondes turn
up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is
pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly
detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives,
Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of
suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a
lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.
As the puzzle pieces fall into
place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and
deceit she has long overlooked.
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21 comments:
Thanks for hosting me today :)
Isn't life interesting - we often learn the best, most lasting lessons when thrown into a situation we dislike, one we'd rather avoid. Best wishes for continued health!
Joanne, Big hugs on making it through the breast cancer period with such success! As for your Achilles injury, I so sympathize. I didn't have that problem, but I developed a foot issue that has forced me to give up heels, too, which I've worn all my adult life. At first I felt undressed without them, especially in the classroom. But it wasn't long before I came to the realization you did--if my feet are properly supported, I'm much happier! Hope you're fine now!
Ashantay, I agree...my lasting lessons have been grueling ones. I don't learn the "easy" way! Thanks for dropping by. :)
Thanks Barbara! I also went through a period of adjustment with my new shoes. While I miss the extra inches of height (I'm 5'2"), I'm grateful for the comfort and improved health.
Joanne, I'm wearing a boot now and forbidden to put weight on my right foot. Nice to hear from someone who came out on the other end. And big hugs for overcoming cancer.
Hang in there, Judy! You will get through this experience with improved mobility.
Great story, Joanne! I'm glad everything's okay and that you turned your challenge into another thing to be grateful for! ❤️
Choosing gratitude works each time. Thanks for your continued support, Jeannie :)
Thanks for reminding us that it's how were view things that makes them either hurdles or helps.
I tore up the ligaments in my right ankle several times. Once, the doc had to realign them and put me in a cast. The attention was hilarious. But getting it off and back to new was the best part. Get well!
Hi Zara, Perception is key. We can easily make mountains out of molehills and stall the best of intentions. Thanks for dropping by. :)
Ouch, Vicki! I'm glad to hear you survived and thrived. I felt wonderful once the boot was off and all the pain was gone.
I hope this takes care of it and you're rid of the boot for good when this is over. Is a character going to have an Achilles injury in the future? Hope you're taking notes for that!
Hi Kaye, The boot is stored away, hopefully for good. Thanks for the suggestion - I should mine this experience further and incorporate an Achilles injury into a short story or novel.
I feel your pain. I kept grumbling about little things that went wrong with me finding they were annoyances. Then came my foot and leg breaking down completely. I wish I could grumble again about the little things.
I also recall spending time (too much time) complaining about minor frustrations and disappointments. Take good care of yourself, Ilona.
The body always gets better when we retire the high heels forever!
Oh, man--does that sound familiar. Practicing gratitude--especially when things are circling the drain as they prepare for their descent into sewage--is hard! Sounds like you found the silver lining and muscled your way through. Congratulations on your successes both in gaining health and in your writing life.
Hi Patricia, I'm amazed by how wonderful my feet and legs still feel, even after hours of walking or standing. But my younger self would not have willingly retired the heels. Thanks for dropping by. :)
Thanks Sorchia! Love this expression "things are circling the drain as they prepare their descent into sewage." I can recall many times where I experienced that particular state. Gratitude and a positive attitude helped.
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