Lou, I am sorry to hear that you had to cancel your trip and that you are having some hard times at work. I was going to say that I would probably still take a vacation, even if I would have to pay some debt later. But, it is me. I am glad that you got some relieve after talking to your GFs.
Have you ever tried the celery juice? It had a lot benefits, plus it is used as an anti-inflammatory for the joints specifically. I take it when I have some inflammation due to gout (I’m a red wine drinker.) My sister and her H also swear by it. All you need to do is buy a bunch of celery (I’m talking North American celery stalks) and put it through the juicer, if you have one. You can google what makes it so special in reducing the joint inflammation. Another thing I’ve been taking is turmeric supplement, which is also very powerful anti-inflammatory natural remedy for any inflammation in your body. I buy it in powder and put a tea spoon in my juice every morning. I like the taste, but I’m weird this way, I like all kinds of natural herbal/earthy tastes. You can also get it pills. You need to do it consistently though to get the benefit. Ibuprofen can be taken up to 6 capsules a day for a few days (2 capsules 3 times a day.) There is no dependency risk. You can try it for a couple of weeks and give it a break. I know this because my sister is a nurse.
As for the contact with H, I agree with job. Maybe send a friendly text once a week, asking him how he is doing. I would not do more than that. He needs to be the one to come to you. All you have to do is to show him that you are open to a R with him.
Take care of yourself.
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state
