I think I have a book around here one of my best friends sent ages ago. I read most of it (daily ruminations) and it might be interesting for you. I may have passed it on to someone else, so I'll look before I say more.

I have the same hernia Jacqui did (hiatal hernia) but my doctor said it's apparently quite small, so not to worry about it for now. Every so often when I move wrong--it's quite unpleasant. I remember mentioning it to Jacqui in a post ages ago and I think she's the one who put a name to it, and my doctor confirmed it.

I thought I'm mention here, apropos of nothing, that I had two Mudcat shawls, the most recent a beautiful dark blue one from Jacqui, and one that I won in a Mudcat auction years ago, done by MMario. I took Leo's shawl, one with several blues and turquoise yarns, out to old the friend we stayed with in Arizona. She has such a great sense of style and I knew she'd have some of those colors in her wardrobe. Amazing how you can "shop your closet," and she came up with two garments that now go together perfectly when she wears the shawl with them. For me it was a reminder of supporting Mudcat, and for Bette, it is a reminder of me. And for Michelle, when you have a bad day, even if it is warm so you don't wear your shawl, keep it handy and let it remind you of all of the energy invested, headed your way to help you feel better.

You're getting there, and the aches and pains will subside.

SRS