A year ago I was experiencing unbelievable pain - throbbing, tingling, inflammation and soreness. It was a bit in my neck, a lot in my right shoulder, and went all the way to my hand. In my forearm, it felt like a bad case of carpel tunnel syndrome, which I have had before. In my shoulder, where the pain was most intense. it felt like the tendinitis that developed several years ago from playing badminton. My smash game was my best part, but technique was not very good. This injured my shoulder. So, in my mind, I had reaggravated that shoulder injury. How did I do it? Well, I was lifting weights - with the help of a trainer, mind you. The pain was horrible. I could not sleep. I am a side sleeper. Here are some things I tried:
I reached for this before consulting a doctor. Turns out this created more inflammation, and thus more pain.
Then I went to a medical clinic in Asheville. Didn't see a bonafide doctor, which was strange. I was x-rayed, and shared my symptoms. I received a cortisone shot in my right shoulder, and I was prescribed some medication that would reduce the inflammation, decrease the pain and begin the healing.
I also consulted a cousin for advice on alternative treatments. She recommended some Epsom salt soaks, seaweed snacks, chocolates, teas and herbal remedies. I dove right into that.
After completing the medicine regimen I had gotten at the clinic, I was still in very significant pain. What next? I made an appointment to see a shoulder specialist in Asheville - the top one, I heard. Due to Covid and perhaps because I was a new patient, his "assistant" actually saw me...not him. Some x-rays were done, I shared all my symptoms and what I'd been doing. I think I even received another cortisone shot. This "assistant" pretty much went along with the shoulder tendinitis self-diagnosis I originally had. He then referred me to a physical therapist.
Off I went to Physio on Merrimon Avenue. My PT was my lifesaver. That very first session he told me that it wasn't my shoulder causing the problem. It was a pinched nerve in my neck! After a couple of sessions with him, I was feeling so much better. In all, my recovery lasted about six months. All the very painful symptoms were gone in a month. I still had some moderate symptoms for at least 2-3 months, and I would say another three months until I no longer really thought about it. I was finally sleeping well again.
These covers made me crack up.
a posture pillow and sleeping aid that really helped
What did I learn from all this?
1. When you're middle-aged and starting up a weight-lifting program after many years of not lifting weights, be cautious.
2. Even if you have a trainer encouraging you to push through pain, don't be foolish. Follow your instincts. Take a break. Get a medical opinion.
3. Self-diagnosis is a natural thing we try to do. But you're not a doctor! Get a proper diagnosis, and quickly.
4. Invest in physical therapy and stay committed to the program, when you're there in person and at home.
5. Have empathy for others when they say they're in pain. Encourage them to get the care they need. It's very humbling. Appreciate your good health.
Got creative with seaweed snack! Nothing like a bowl of Butter Pecan ice cream to help with healing!
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