If you’ve been hanging out at my blog for a while you’ll know I hate whining. The last thing I want is for people to feel sorry for me – that’s not what this is about. What it is about is something I’m reminded of during every waking moment.
Other than when I was pregnant, I’ve never dealt with this much prolonged pain in my life. I’m talking about my shoulder. In December, just before my trip to Japan, I went to see an Occupational Therapist, who told me I needed to “stay off” it, so to speak. To try not to do too much with it. The timing was actually perfect for this. Going to Japan meant that I didn’t have to reach for things in high places like I do at home – things like plates in cupboards and hanging laundry near the rafters in the basement. I could give it a rest. Therein lies my biggest problem.
It turned out that I was exercising the muscles around the joint and protecting it with these regular household tasks. What happened when I came back from Japan? Pain. Pain like nothing else. Gone were the protective muscles. Now I’m told I have tendonitis on top of the degeneration in my shoulder joint. It’s not just the shoulder now, it’s the elbow as well. Nerves are affected and as I sit here typing my funnybone is numbing my baby finger. Good thing I don’t have to hit the “enter” key at the end of every line, eh?
I fear I’ll be living with this for the rest of my life. Gone is the ambition to ever go back to Karate, though Tai Chi I might be able to manage. It might even help. What I really seriously need is a series of exercises to build up the correct muscles around the problem so that I can function properly. I have hope! In the meantime, I have pain. Oh, and Advil. Lots of Advil.
I did want to take the time today to thank everyone who participates in SoCS. It’s been a while since I did that, and it’s now in my own stream of conscious to do so. I’m grateful for so many things in my life and I rarely have the feeling that I’m showing my appreciation enough. I do appreciate every single one of you who take the time to write using my prompts and visit one another. I earnestly don’t know what I’d do without this community of writers, of people who care, of like minds who relate so well with not only me but with each other. Nothing gives me a thrill quite like the one I get when I see people meeting one another for the first time and it’s SoCS, or JusJoJan, or One-Liner Wednesday that brought them together.
So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Cheers with pain killers!! 😉
This post is part of SoCS: https://lindaghill.com/2015/01/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-january-2415/
And JusJoJan: https://lindaghill.com/2015/01/01/just-jot-it-january-pingback-post-and-rules/
January 27, 2015 at 9:30 am
I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I realize you have gotten lots of good advice for exercise, meds, and medical help, but I figured I could throw a few more things onto the pile from family experience.
My husband had a shoulder problem that would not get better with PT and it turned out there was a bone spur under the shoulder bone. It didn’t show on Xray due to the position, so it took an MRI to diagnose and surgery to rectify it. I am not saying you have a bone spur, but trying to illustrate that sometimes when PT isn’t working, it is because the diagnosis isn’t quite covering the whole situation.
I can relate to your elbow/pinkie symptoms from my own experience. When my elbow was very bad, I typed with the other hand only. I know that sounds really slow, but you can get very fast with it with practice. In my case, it is my right arm that has problems and I trained myself to use a mouse with my left hand, which I still do to protect my more vulnerable mouse with my left hand, which I still do to protect my more vulnerable right arm as much as possible. I also use my left side for as many tasks as I can, although I don’t trust myself with a knife in my non-dominant hand can, although I don’t trust myself with a knife in my non-dominant hand and I can’t write with that hand, either.
I hope you get more answers and better pain management, strength, and mobility over time. Your well-being means a lot to your blogging community, as well as all those who know you IRL!
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January 27, 2015 at 9:32 am
Oops! I was having trouble getting this to post and it wound up having a weird duplication thing going on! Sorry about that.
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January 28, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Thank you, Joanne. It’s my right arm that’s bothering me also, but I too am getting better at doing things with my left. Not sure how giving up touch-typing would go though! 😛 Thanks for sharing your experience. I may ask for some new tests if nothing seems to be working. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 11:14 am
One of the best things for chronic pain is being able to still smile through it.
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January 26, 2015 at 10:26 pm
Agreed. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 3:24 am
As a sufferer of chronic pain i sympathise. Don’t give up hope. There are always things to try.
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January 26, 2015 at 10:42 pm
Thanks, Louise. I haven’t given up yet. I hope your pain can be lessened also. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 1:20 am
I hope that you get some relief from the pain Linda.
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January 26, 2015 at 10:21 pm
Thanks, Paul. 🙂
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January 25, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Sorry about your pain :-\. I do hope you somehow find some relief soon. I second the suggestion to try Aleve; I always find it works better for me than anything else.
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January 26, 2015 at 10:16 pm
I’ll definitely look into the Aleve. I have an appointment with the OT on Wednesday. She’ll be able to tell me if it’s the right drug to try for what ails me. Thanks for your comment, Leigh. 🙂
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January 25, 2015 at 5:51 pm
I’m so sorry that your shoulder and now your elbow is giving you this trouble, Linda G. That just sucks so bad. Maybe you can move it around just a little bit to build those protective muscles back up a bit. Start slowly at first? You know what worked in the past …
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January 26, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Yep, I’m really trying to do things as normally as possible while staying mindful not to hurt myself. Thanks for your kind words, Mr. Mark. 🙂
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January 25, 2015 at 9:08 am
As a long-time sufferer of lower back issues, I feel your pain. Especially when you are going about your merry little way and suddenly experience a crippling moment just from moving something the wrong way. It truly sucks. So sorry you are going through this. I’ve found yoga and other low-impact exercises help. And epsom salt baths. And the mighty Aleve (and Advil).
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January 26, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Those moments really take you by surprise sometimes, don’t they? Tonight I sneezed suddenly with my elbows resting on the kitchen table and it almost killed me. 😛 I really do need to get into a gentle exercise program. And I think I’ll try Aleve too. Thanks for your sympathy and your suggestions, Cara. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 11:23 pm
It is not fun to live with pain Linda. I had problems dome years ago and bought a low furniture to hang up the washing clothes, which also can stand inside the house in bad weather.
Try to get some help to rearrange your kitchen, at least until you are back in good shape again 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 10:08 pm
It’s tempting to make things more accessible, but as I learned when I went away, if I don’t force myself to use the muscles I just get worse. I think the answer is to limit it as much as possible without eliminating it completely.
Thanks for your comment! 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 6:54 pm
I first read your post about 3am this morning my time, and yes what was I doing up then? Hmmm……aging brings numerous toilet stops during the night……that should explain that…….also I thought it sucks getting old, stuff goes wrong, bits either ache or stop working all together, but we live on and of course we never whinge.
As for gratitude have you seen the Gratitude Letter site? I did it about 18 months ago and I found it a great way to reach out to those people who have helped me and supported me over the years.
Here’s a link if you haven’t seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg
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January 26, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Thanks for the link, Michael. I’ll check that out.
Yeah, getting old sucks. What used to be a blip of pain is now inevitably a long drawn out bloop of agony. Not nice. But hey, we’re still alive! 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 10:08 pm
Exactly. I wake up, I get vertical. Take a step forward and away the day goes.
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January 26, 2015 at 10:10 pm
It’s all we can do. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 6:25 pm
I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I hope you feel better soon.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Thank you, Patty. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 6:05 pm
I have had problems with both shoulders. My problem is the fact that I spend so much time hunched over a keyboard. I have gone through PT twice, and the exercises they gave me ultimately did help. I also have a regimen of “maintenance” exercises to keep the problem at bay. I hope your treatment plan is successful. It may take time, try not to give up hope. I am allergic to Ibuprofen and that entire class of NSAIDs but I was given a topical NSAID that worked very well (Voltaren).
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January 26, 2015 at 2:44 pm
I do think the time I spend on the computer is half my problem now too. I need to get out more! Thanks very much for the suggestion, Dan. I’ll look into it. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 5:54 pm
So sorry you’re hurting, Linda. I hope you find exactly what you need for complete healing soon. I’m empathetic ❤
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January 26, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Thank you, Angie. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 5:17 pm
It is I that thank you for giving us a spot to write, prompts to think about, words to inspire us. I am sorry that you live with pain each day…I found what helped me (and may not you but just in case) lots of hot baths, hot and cold compresses and a chiropractor I had in Toronto gave me the best help…no twisting or pulling…but brought me to the gym in the building every 2 weeks to give me exercises to stretch and rebuild muscles around various areas that needed protection. It helps a lot and we transferred the exercises to my elastics that can carry with me anywhere work or trips. I met you through OM and you are continuing his sense of community he created. Big hugs to you, Montreal style with a kiss on each cheek:) xx
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January 26, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Thank you, Oliana. 🙂 I appreciate your suggestions – I’ll look into the idea of a chiro. The OT suggested cold compresses, but I’m so cold all the time this time of year! It’ll be nice in the summer though. 🙂
I really do love the community we have here. I thank OM for showing me how to build up my own. 🙂
Double-cheek kisses back! 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Use warm compresses then. Whatever works…sometimes I want to dip my hands in warm wax
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January 26, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Yep, I do warm every night. It helps me sleep. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 8:25 pm
I know eh? Isn’t it like a warm hand or hand hold you? (wink wink)
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January 24, 2015 at 4:46 pm
Linda, I’m so sorry you’re in so much pain. Isn’t it funny how when you think rest will help, it actually ends up doing the exact opposite? I hope you can find something that works and that the advil helps. And, you are far from a whiner. We’re all here to support and love each other. You offer so much to all of us; it’s good for us to give it back to you. Take care! ❤
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January 26, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Thanks so much, Helen. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 4:43 pm
I am really sorry you are in pain. Maybe you should see a Rheumatologist. There are some marvelous drugs now for pain management.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:36 pm
I can definitely see a Rheumatologist in my future. Thanks, John. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I was in agony for five years and now get an infusion every six weeks and better than new.
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January 26, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Wow. Very cool. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Have you tried Deep Heat Topical pain killer just rub it into the spot where the pain is, also Voltarol rub, or Tiger balm I have really found all three very efective for pain relief! xxxxx
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January 26, 2015 at 2:26 pm
I haven’t tried any of the creams – I’ll ask the doctor about that. The pain is in the joint, so I’m not sure a cream would reach it, though the resulting pain down my arm might. 🙂
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January 26, 2015 at 2:29 pm
Do try they really help. xxx
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January 26, 2015 at 2:34 pm
I’ll let you know what happens. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 2:27 pm
The day you can’t moan and complain to your community of friends will be a very sad day. Being in constant pain, especially the kind that sneaks up on us and we can’t find a root cause for, is worthy of such complaint. I hope you get some relief soon 🙂
While I’m here, I need to apologise that I didn’t get time to take part in SoCS this week. But I’ll visit some of the others, and do my best to contribute next week. Have a great weekend.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for your encouragement, Melissa. 🙂
I’ll look forward to seeing you for SoCS next week. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Hi Linda. I can relate to what you are describing. I had a shoulder injury a few years ago and it is very painful. I told the therapist that I could not reach up to get things off clothes hangers. Just raising my arm that much caused acute pain. The pain would keep me awake at night and I would find it hard to get comfortable. Therapy did help but it took time. Just yesterday I was having pain in my upper arm and shoulder again. I thought, oh no, not again. I had been carrying loaded bags to tutoring the day before. Thank goodness the pain resolved. I am sending you healing thoughts. <3<3
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January 26, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Thanks Deborah. 🙂 Good to know it can get better!
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January 24, 2015 at 12:43 pm
At 34 I learned I have a degenerative hip disease. What I discovered is that the pains that are seemingly unmanageable today, become “normal” the next. Shoulders, like hips, kinda move a lot! I can get new hips in about 35 years or so…physio helps to a very small degree so I don’t bother. Lots of stretching and Celebrex. LOL. Sadly…you’ll grow more and more accustomed to the pain.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Yep, I’m getting used to the constant discomfort – it’s the excruciating times like when I trip over something or slip on ice and my arm goes up in the air automatically to balance myself that kill me.
Can’t (or won’t) OHIP do anything for you within the next 35 years?
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January 26, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Physio until the day I die or finally qualify for new hips. They can go in arthroscopically and clean out the joints, but they won’t do it until A) I exhaust all physio options B) cannot move. With just a good scraping I could get back 99% mobility…that’s the kicker. There is a fix for it…as for the shoulder…I had the same thing and went for a cortisone injection and it was miraculous!!! Instant mobility and pain relief. I popped it out of the socket reaching for something under the bed if you can believe it.
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January 26, 2015 at 4:40 pm
OH I can believe it. It feels like mine is popping out of its socket every time I move it. I’ll see what the Dr. says about the cortisone. She did mention it once already, but it wasn’t that bad then.
I think it’s terrible that they won’t do anything for you. In the meantime you’re probably costing the health care system more than they’d pay to just give you the relief you need. Indescribably needless suffering. Ugh, it makes me mad on your behalf.
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January 24, 2015 at 12:29 pm
http://www.taichi18.com
Hi Linda. So sorry about the pain. I’ve given you some links to Qi Gong Shebashi exercises. They are very gentle. Also maybe a shiatsu practitioner can sort your shoulder out. I once had 2 frozen shoulders which were very painful, and shiatsu (acupressure massage) did help, though it took some time. I know it may seem daft but it might also be useful to think about your pillow and whether your sleeping position is to some degree setting you up for inflammation in the shoulder. Also diet – reducing acidifying foods esp gluten, and concentrating on greens might help??? All the best.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Thanks so much for the suggestions. 🙂 I’ll watch the video – I’d love to get back into Tai Chi. I’ve thought about acupuncture as well. The Taoist practices are fantastic for healing.
My OT suggested a body pillow, though I have yet to go looking for one.
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January 26, 2015 at 3:29 pm
Good luck. Being pain is so very draining.
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January 26, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Thanks, Tish. It is.
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January 24, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Sounds awful. Best of luck with getting some physio.
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January 24, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Thanks, Joey. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 12:18 pm
So sorry to hear you’re suffering this much. I hope they find ways to alleviate this. Best of luck.
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January 24, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Thank you. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 12:09 pm
I am really sorry. I hope your exercises have a quick restorative effect. Chronic pain is difficult. It makes me irritable. I hope you can avoid that!
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January 24, 2015 at 12:18 pm
It’s really just a nuisance – sometimes I do things without thinking and end up doubled over in pain. The good news is, I’m getting better at doing things with my left hand. 😛 Thanks for your kind wishes. 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 11:42 am
Linda, how about some gentle yoga? Can you strengthen with some weights or resistance training for your arm? I have pain in my shoulder too and noticed that the more I walk and exercise the more the pain lessens. Can I have extra credit for using your words in my reply today too. 😀 Hang in there. We all have to vent sometime. ❤
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January 24, 2015 at 11:48 am
I think I really need to see a physiotherapist for the exercises. The ones the OT is giving me I think are too mild. I just don’t want to hurt myself more though… tough balance.
And yes, all the points go to you! Congratulations! Hahaha!
Thanks for your comment, Colleen. 😀
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January 24, 2015 at 11:49 am
I know shoulder injuries take a long time to heal. Do the best you can. I hope you feel better soon. ❤
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January 24, 2015 at 11:51 am
Thanks 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 11:40 am
Oh, Linda, I hate that you’re suffering. Are you sure you don’t have a torn rotator cuff or something? Try Aleve instead of Advil – I always find Aleve works better for muscle/tendon pain, at least for me.
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January 24, 2015 at 11:45 am
I’ll try that! The Advil doesn’t help much – I usually end up on it and Tylenol at the same time. I’ve had two ultrasounds now and neither of them seemed to indicate a torn rotator cuff… It’s apparently arthritis. I suspect they’re wrong, but there you go. 😛
Thanks for the suggestion, CM 🙂
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January 24, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Aleve is recommended for arthritis. The only thing is, you can’t take it if you have any kind of stomach problems because it can cause internal bleeding if you take too much or for too long. I can no longer take it because of my colitis, so now I’m stuck with plain old Tylenol if I have any aches or pains. Unfortunately, Tylenol doesn’t reduce inflammation like Advil and Aleve do.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Well that sucks. I don’t have any problems with my stomach, so I suppose I’m lucky in that at least.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:28 pm
BTW, if you do try Aleve, get the store version of it – significantly cheaper and works just as well.
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January 26, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Good to know, thanks, CM. 🙂
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