Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Pain

Did I tell you a jammed my right shoulder? Try this: go from a standing position to sitting on the floor and notice how you might use one arm to brace yourself from falling in a heap. That's what I did on the grass at the bus stop 10 days ago. I've sat on the grass 5 days a week for 6 weeks now and managed to not injure myself. But on that day, YOWZAAA!!!!! Pop went something, followed my shooting hot pain through my right arm and fingers started going numb. I wondered to myself, "Now you're in a pickle. How do you propose to get yourself back to standing with a limp right arm?'" Right about then a lawnmower guy came by needing to mow that patch of lawn. It was either get off my butt or death by mowing. Me and my dangling arm managed to get up, on the bus, and home.
Interesting disability. I can't or couldn't:
1. run the van gear shift
2. reach across for a seat belt
3. pull up pants
4. pull arms in & out of sleeves
5. pull up left bra strap
6. shake hands w/arm extended
7. hold anything weighty, like a jug of milk or the iron
8. reach laterally across my body

But time has passed and I've swallowed plenty of Tylenol. Some mobility has returned, but I gave up and went to the doctor today.
X-rays show nothing broken, so it's a muscle tear of some sort, curable with more pain killers, more time, & some physical therapy.
I have learned to LOVE my left arm. So dextrous!. So helpful! So good in a pinch! So handy to have! kiss kiss kiss
On the way home from the doctor I fulfilled a life-long fantasy. I pulled onto 12th ave road directly behind a wailing firetruck, hit the gas, and sped a mile down the street on his tail. And NOBODY was in my path because he, of course, had cleared it. Oh it was fun!. All these cars pulled to the sides except me happily zipping past and feeling like I had won something. Cross that off my bucket list.

7 comments:

Lora Dawn said...

Oh no! So sorry you are in pain with your gimpy arm. Hope it heals well.

I thought you were going to tell us you got a rescue from the mow man. Where's the chivalry!

Smullin Family said...

Ouch! I'm sorry for your pain, but you made me laugh..love that you love your left arm..kiss, kiss, kiss. :)

I thought the lawn man was going to try and mow you.

Candice said...

I thought the lawn guy was going to help you up! I've had shoulders pop before and I feel your pain and I feel your love! Aren't they just fantastic? Amazing things! So useful. Hope your recovery is speedy!

Chanelson said...

HAHAHAHAHA!
I love the ending. You're such a rebel.

angela said...

Ouch, I didn't know sitting down could be so painful to a shoulder. Here we finally get spring and you want to enjoy the grass. What a bummer. Is your should feeling better since it happened?

Llacey2001 said...

Advice from the (now) wise. No matter what go to and do the physical therapy. Years ago when I had both shoulder dislocated in a car accident I was not as wise as I am now and didn’t think I needed to go and do the PT. We didn’t have insurance, I didn’t have time with 4 sons, “I get enough exercises at home with 4 kids”, and all the other excuses. Fast forward to the last 3 years. You remember the pain you had when it happened? Well, try spending 3 years with that pain in both shoulders ALL the time. Imagine having your raw nerves stretched over the head of a sledge hammer with a ball-peen hammer hitting them every time you moved slightly. Well dear cousin, it all ended in both shoulders having to have total joint replacement this last year. (How I spent my summer vacation). Sure PT hurts like hell some days but nothing is like the hammer pain. Go forth and do your PT! ! ! Loves ya Couzzzz.

Amber said...

Hi Jana-- Last week (or maybe two ago) I saw you walking to your work from you bus stop. I was taking Brinton to work.

You are looking great, I just wanted to pop by and say hello!
Amber