It’s been a busy day, starting out with an appointment with Catherine, my occupational therapist. I was happy to go – my tendonitis/rotator cuff injury has been getting steadily more painful. It’s at the point now that I can’t properly wash the hair on the right side of my head without supporting my right arm with my left. Getting dressed and undressed is something I dread, and don’t even ask about the jungle that is my right armpit. (I swear I have a nest of gerbils under there.)
So what does all this have to do with the title of my post? It’s like this: Catherine made a few suggestions concerning the flare-up I’m having in my shoulder (and now my entire arm) that included making sure I’m sitting up as straight as possible when I’m on the computer *sits up straight*, attending some aqua fitness classes in a therapy pool, and taking a temporary leave of absence from my job. Yes, my job. My beloved walk around the block every day.
It’s not that the walking is doing me any harm except that in the snow, with the possibility of slipping and seriously hurting myself, I’m walking hunched over in the attempt to be more careful about my footing. In essence, I’m making my shoulder worse. So I called my boss at the paper and left a message on her machine this afternoon. I’m still waiting for a call back.
The more I think about it though, the more upset I am at the prospect that I may get fired over this. It’s not the monetary loss, nor is it really even the fact that I do it for the exercise. The truth is, this stupid little job actually gets me out to talk to people. It makes me a part of the community in a way nothing else does – because I’m really not a part of it. My work, my family, and my friends are all here in my home. I have one friend on the outside of these walls and that’s it. Without my paper route I’m no longer part of the work force. I have no worth as a citizen. I’m merely raising my children and, without the meagre $20 per week I make off the paper, am completely dependent on the system.
While I await the verdict from my boss I’ll contemplate what I should do. Perhaps I can make a living off my writing… oh no, wait. Catherine also told me to get off the computer. It, too, is hurting my shoulder. Speech to text? Anyone tried it?
I’ll keep you all posted and let you know what’s happening. Now I have to run. I think the gerbils are thirsty.
February 27, 2015 at 2:04 am
I hope things improve. I just got the word that I can no longer write on the board at school. A bit of an issue for a teacher, but I have found some “work arounds.” I hope you have good pain management and that continued therapy helps you heal. Best wishes!
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February 26, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Linda don’t give up I am sure you have made a mark on your community , more than you know. If the worst happens and you loose the job you could still walk your round and meet the people ! Bigs hugsxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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February 26, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Yes, Willow, that’s a great idea. In fact I’ll still go in to the dry cleaner once in a while, where I’ve made friends with the manager. Thanks for the hugs! 🙂
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February 27, 2015 at 2:41 am
My pleasure Linda don’t lose touch with the friends you have made. xx
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February 26, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Oh Linda, I hate to hear that you are still experiencing pain. You are a worthy citizen with the different roles you play. I am sure others will agree with me on how you have created this beautiful community online with other citizens. I wish you well and I hope your boss works with you regarding your situation.
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February 26, 2015 at 8:18 pm
Thanks very much, JcCee. 🙂 I do feel very much a part of this WordPress community and I love it here. It’s nice to talk to people face to face once in a while though! 😛
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February 26, 2015 at 9:08 pm
You’re very welcome, Linda!! 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 1:17 pm
I am sad that you feel that not being part of the workforce makes you less of a person. You are a mum bringing up your children, one of the most important jobs of all. I hope things work out for you. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 8:16 pm
Thanks, Edwina. 🙂 It’s not as much that I’m less of a person, more like I’m less of a contributing member of society in a community sense… does that make sense?
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February 27, 2015 at 1:36 am
Yes, I understand what you mean but you have no need to feel like that. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 10:47 am
I hope your boss will find some empathy and understanding for your situation Linda, I do really understand that you need to get out and talk to other souls too. Life virtual can be good, but never as real life. Wish you all the best and send healing your way dear friend 😉
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February 26, 2015 at 8:09 pm
Thanks so much, Irene. 🙂 There’s definitely something to be said for getting out of the house!
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February 26, 2015 at 10:07 pm
I do understand you and your situation Linda 😉
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February 26, 2015 at 10:22 pm
I thought you might. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 10:34 am
If you are raising a family then you are a worthy member of society and an active citizen. What you teach them now will affect the future. I am in a similar situation as you, I just lost my job and must, at some point, find a new one. For the moment I am enjoying the extra time I have with my girls. It won’t be long before that time is gone and I will want it back.
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February 26, 2015 at 8:08 pm
Ah, the time is so short, isn’t it? Thanks so much for your support and your kind words. Enjoy your time with your girls! 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 9:17 am
Linda, I can truly sympathize with this post on so many levels! I too have a bad rotator cuff, most of the time the pain is intense and I have to use my left hand/arm for most everything, which does not make taking a shower and many everyday things the easiest thing in the world to do since I am right handed. You didn’t say anything about carpal tunnel syndrome, which I have in both hands plus a ganglian cyst on my left wrist, both of which makes using my hands for anything a horrible experience.
Depending on the system, yep, same boat. I depend on the generosity and kindness of family mostly, which is extremely degrading, but what can I do?
So here’s to us!! May we one day have a chance at a normal existence 🙂
Great post!
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February 26, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Thanks Tim. 🙂 I’m right-handed too, but I’m getting better at doing a lot of things with my left that I’ve never been able to do before. I’m lucky not to have carpal tunnel syndrome, but just today the pain started to move up into the front of my neck and into my chest, so it’s going the other way.
Keep hopin’ though, and so will I.
Cheers! 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 9:04 am
So sorry to hear that you are still in pain. Wishing you all the best. I have heard that it is possible with speech dictation software for writing. I know a few people with vision problems and/or carpal tunnel who write for a living. So I think that would work nicely for you.
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February 26, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Thanks for your well-wishes, Veronica. I’m going to look into the program the other commenters have recommended. It sounds like it may be a good solution for my computer problems. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 8:28 am
I use Dragon Naturally Speaking to write. My MS limits the use of my hands and Dragon is great.
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February 26, 2015 at 7:58 pm
Thanks for the recommendation, Pamela. 🙂 I’ll look it up.
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February 26, 2015 at 7:59 am
Dang. I know I hurt my shoulder about this time last year, and if nothing else, this post makes me more grateful that it healed well. I’m so sorry you’re suffering like this. I hope you don’t get fired. I know here, paper routes can be tricky to obtain and keep, even sometimes a vacation can mean the end of a route!
I’m hopeful for you, Linda. Ever hopeful!
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February 26, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Thanks Joey. 🙂 And the fact that your shoulder healed gives me hope for mine! 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 7:59 pm
Mine must not have been wounded as badly 😦
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February 26, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Ehhh, maybe it’ll just take a bit more time. I ain’t givin’ up!
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February 26, 2015 at 7:16 am
I am so sorry to hear about the continuing problems with your shoulder and its effect on your work, but I disagree that without your paper route you “have no worth as a citizen.” Raising children definitely is a worthy calling for a citizen, as is your writing. Lots of activities have worth, whether or not they are paid.
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February 26, 2015 at 7:55 pm
Thanks for your support and well-wishes, Joanne. I suppose what I meant though is that I’m not contributing directly to society… It’s hard to explain the feeling.
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February 26, 2015 at 6:32 am
Hope you don’t get fired or that your boss has a helpful suggestion. I can imagine winter being really rough for a job like that. Not being on the computer a lot kind of stops a work from home job too.
Speech to text is interesting. Though I tend to fight with it because several of the things I say are fictional words.
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February 26, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Yeah, I can see how place names and names in general might be a problem for a speech to text program to decipher.
Thanks for the well-wishes Charles. I hope this ailment doesn’t last too long.
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February 26, 2015 at 2:23 am
what about a trolley of somekind to put the papers in so you don’t have to carry them,and wear extra Layers to keep you warm I know about working in the cold My job is in big walk in chillers and freezers So I where 3 pairs of trousers,socks and fleece tops and jackets to keep warm,makes a big difference.I might be trussed up like a honey monster but better that then hurting my self,hope it gets better soon,xx Speedy’s Mum
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February 26, 2015 at 5:40 pm
It’s really not the weight, nor the cold. It’s more about the footing and the fear of falling and not being able to save myself from hitting my head. The problem is that I can’t move my right arm…
Thanks very much for your comment and your well-wishes. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 1:47 am
As one “paper person” to another, I wish you the best. I have a rural route, 120 subscribers, driving 120 miles each night. I started this gig one year ago and celebrated the event in a post, “Peeing by the side of the Road.” I sincerely hope that your boss understands and gives you the opportunity to mend.
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February 26, 2015 at 5:35 pm
Wow, that’s a long route! Your post sounds intriguing. 🙂
Thanks very much for your well-wishes. 🙂
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February 26, 2015 at 1:18 am
Tendonitis is no joke…I currently have it in my left elbow, which makes even the most basic of activities or things to do extremely difficult. Something like such can be quite the stab at the most basic forms of living and motivation in many ways. I too wish you the best.
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February 26, 2015 at 5:32 pm
Thank you, Justin. It’s in my shoulder but the pain extends all the way down my arm. Still, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have it in as vulnerable place as the elbow. Best of luck with your recovery as well!
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February 26, 2015 at 12:37 am
Dragon should be good for speeh-to-text (nuance.com/dragon), claiming to be #1.
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February 26, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for this, Adam. 🙂 I’ll give it a try.
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February 26, 2015 at 12:26 am
I hope things get better for you soon.
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February 26, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Thank you. 🙂
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February 25, 2015 at 11:31 pm
Sounds like a difficult situation for you, with tough decisions to make. I wish you well.
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February 25, 2015 at 11:32 pm
Thank you. 🙂
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