Shoulder replacement surgery
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Hey You! Welcome to My Beautiful Mess.
Life threw a lot at me — a coma, sickle cell, brain damage, loss, and more — but guess what?I’m still standing. Still laughing. Still loving life when I can. This blog is where I keep it real: the good, the bad, the ugly cries… and the small wins (like free panties and finding a Continue reading
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Depression, Up Close.
A bottomless pit Before my stroke, I didn’t truly understand what depression was. For the first six years afterward, I even denied I had it. I think, in part, because I was consumed by constant physical pain—bouncing from one joint replacement surgery to another, never fully healing before another part of me gave out. There Continue reading
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Easter Weekend
Easter Weekend Reflections: Traveling, Traditions & Trying Again I kicked off my Easter weekend adventure early Thursday morning by boarding the Amtrak train headed to Jacksonville, NC—or technically, to Wilson, NC. That stop was closer to my cousin’s job, and she was waiting there with open arms. This was a big moment for me: my Continue reading
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A Journey of Faith and Family
This Thursday, I’ll be boarding a solo train ride—my first trip alone since 2020. And yes, I know that may sound questionable to some. Normally, this blog would be an enthusiastic solo trip but taking into consideration an active brain disability, I’m taking every step with faith. I’ve already started writing a blog on the Continue reading
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Thoughtful Tuesday – Aura
Reflections from a Grateful Heart Today has been filled with reminders of grace, presence, and divine timing. Thoughtful Tuesday, where it all began. This morning, my friend Anatashia sent me a quote that stirred something deep inside me: “Replace your doubt with confidence. You are a fighter with faith. That means if you fall, you Continue reading
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Chapter 52
Chapter 52: A Journey Back to Where It All Began I made it. And I’m standing—grateful, humbled, and blessed—right where it all began. After years of setbacks, surgeries, and what often felt like an endless uphill climb, I’m here. Not just surviving, but celebrating Chapter 52 of my life. And with every breath, I carry Continue reading
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Sickle Cell Anemia 101
What is Sickle Cell Anemia? Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic disease of the red blood cells (RBCs). Normally, RBCs are shaped like discs, which gives them the flexibility to travel through even the smallest blood vessels. However, with this disease, the RBCs have an abnormal crescent shape resembling a Continue reading
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Recovery Week 8: The Waiting, the Weary, and the Word
Week 8 of shoulder surgery recovery brings frustration, faith, and slow progress. Andrea reflects on healing, the reality of pain, and strength found in Scripture. Happy Sabbath / Saturday ☀️ (This one’s short—but real.) We’re at Week 8 of recovery, and let me just say…This is taking way longer than I anticipated. My doctor warned Continue reading
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“Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not, I’m Going Back to the Classroom”
At 7 weeks post shoulder surgery, Andrea shares her latest progress, pain management with natural remedies, and returning to the classroom while preparing for another surgery. Healing continues—one day, one choice, one step at a time. Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not—Here I Come! Well, ready or not, school starts Monday…And that means:Back to the Continue reading
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“Shoulder Replacement Recovery: Weeks 5–6, Muscle Pain, and Learning to Slow Down”
At six weeks post shoulder replacement, I’m still in pain, still pushing through physical therapy, and now preparing for a second surgery—my hip replacement. Here’s what recovery looks like when life refuses to pause. Weeks 5 & 6: Recovery, Real Talk, and Pain Management Let me start by saying:I wanted to write this last week—week Continue reading
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“Fascination with the Body: My Sickle Cell Journey and Discovering Avascular Necrosis”
Living with Sickle Cell Disease has shown me how remarkable the human body is—and how faith, persistence, and the right questions uncovered years of hidden damage. Here’s my AVN timeline and what I’ve learned about pain, patience, and healing. Introduction: The Body Is a Fascinating Map Part 1: The Start of the Pain – 2016–2017 Continue reading
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Recovery week 4“Week 4 Shoulder Replacement Recovery: Pain, Progress, and a Bun Goal”Recovery week 4
Four weeks after shoulder replacement surgery, I’m off narcotics, gaining strength, and starting to see real progress. Here’s what recovery looks like—plus a few reflections on shared pain and support from unexpected places. Recovery Week 4: From Pain to Progress Finally!These last three days have been the best I’ve felt since surgery. 🙌🏽 Sure, there’s Continue reading
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“3 Weeks Post Shoulder Replacement: PT Pain, Muscle Weakness, and Finding My Strength”
Three weeks after left shoulder replacement surgery, I’m navigating physical therapy pain, muscle rebuilding, and daily recovery challenges as a sickle cell warrior. Here’s what this phase looks like and how I’m pushing forward. Week 3 Post-Surgery: Pain, PT, and Pushing Through Today marks exactly 3 weeks since my left shoulder replacement, and let me Continue reading
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Post-Op Recovery with Sickle Cell: My First 14 Days After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Follow my 14-day journey after left shoulder replacement surgery while living with sickle cell disease. From nerve blocks to physical therapy, here’s how I’m navigating pain, recovery, and daily challenges with determination and faith. Post-Op Reality: What You Don’t See Behind the Smile The photo above was taken just after surgery.I know—I’m smiling. But don’t Continue reading
About Me
I LIVE LOVE LAUGH LEARN – the only way I know how to survive this life! I am a free-spirited, independent, or uninhibited person. I began this blogging journey years ago for sharing my thoughts on everyday life. Since then, so much has happened including me being in a coma because of Sickle Cell with brain damage and extreme trials in life. I am still struggling, but I feel someone can be motivated through my journey, thoughts, feelings, and life.
Phoenix: Live Love Laugh 