Oh, Gail. Thankfully, I don't have chronic chronic pain, but I have had some long bouts with it. Currently it is my right hip and shoulder. I have an orthopedic appointment May 7. The pain is definitely cramping my style. It limits my walking, clouds my mind, and messes with my ability to sleep.
On the plus side, I have always had a strong auto-kinetic sense so I can at least tell where the pieces of me are. Naproxen is an old friend. My body tolerates it but not ibuprofen. I have not gotten back on oxycodone, but I have considered asking for some. I was on heavy doses after the infected hernia major surgery. I love the stuff. I hate the stuff.
Pilates has been a lifesaver for me. My first morning mug of tea gets set next to my yoga mat in the living room. It is how I get this old body stretch and dekinked and mostly functional in the morning. Corky and I have weekly sessions with an excellent instructor, who understands things like hiking and canoeing and falls on the trail. Trekking poles help me on the trail. I've taken to using a cane around the house to keep my gait even.
I've had to back out of some weekly commitment to lower the number of spoons I consume in a week.
But mostly I survive. I developed a roll of film last night and scanned it in this afternoon. As I looked at the scans I could hear the camera telling me, "You're bored. You really need to get out on the trail and do some photography instead of simply taking pictures for something to do."
Ahh my dear, wonderful Steven! What a message this was to read that evening when I posted this. It felt like a big hug and huge, honest solidarity. I really do thank you for it. I am sorry you're having to wait until May 7th for you next ortho appointment - it's a long time when you're in a lot of pain, and both hip and shoulder together is a very painful-sounding combination for both general movement and also fine motor skill stuff with your right arm. Gah! I am sending my love and encouragment to you. I love to read of your routine in the morning, and that you do pilates every day. I don't currently have a regular, daily morning movement routine aside from twice a week weight training v early in the morning, and walking Bill. I think I'm too scared to move my sore body when I wake, but I know that's counter intuitive! I should just do it. I used to get up and go for a run right away, which was a super way to start the day but the rain has been endless here (not today though hooray!!) and I don't want to anger my shoulder with the back and forth movement - but maybe movement is exactly what I need! :) Thanks for the reminder.
Ahh - spoons. Yes indeed, we have to preserve our spoons! You'll get back to those commitments before too long and they'll be doubly glad to see you :). And tell me, did you get out with your camera at all in the last week? And what was on those scans?!
I rate my gentle morning unstiffening and dekinking high on my list of survival mechanisms. I am careful to keep in mind the Pilates/yoga distinction between discomfort (which means you are stretching something, which is good) and pain (which means you are tearing something, which is bad).
I did get out briefly for some picture-taking on Friday. I need to get back out on the trails, carefully.
In case you missed my previous correction, my shoulder, thank God, is fine; it's my right hip that is giving me fits. I think the hip and knee problems originally independent issue, though they are certainly mutually exacerbating (which is, of course, exasperating).
Be gentle with yourself, both physically and emotionally.
Sorry to read this lovely Gail. ❤️ Sending huge hugs your way and this link to someone I saw on Insta, Helen Hall. You may already be aware but just in case it’s of any help. 💪🏼xhttps://www.instagram.com/helenhallpfm?igsh=NWNjeDh2ZGsxbjVj
Thank you Cheryl! I have followed Helen Hall now, thanks to you. Super interesting and thanks for the recommend. Hugs well received, and right back at you x
So sorry about your experience with physios. I have RA and a combo of issues from that and some genetic/sports issues meant I worked with a physio where I am in Sussex for the best part of a year. He was positive, he got the frustration, he was always looking ahead to where I wanted to get back to physically. I could be brutally honest with him, we would laugh at my balance issues, and celebrate when things got better. I am forever grateful to him for where I am now physically. Butttt when I had a new diagnosis of spondylolisthesis just before Christmas a few years ago he booked me in with an older female physio in his practice (he was early 40s, I would guess she was mid 60s) it was one of the most negative experiences ever. I held it together in the appointment but went home and cried and cried literally for days. In the new year I asked him if I could go back to him for it as I didn’t want to see his colleague. He made me tell him as it was his practice and he was mortified that she had upset me so much. I would urge you to be brave and feedback to the practices you went to, there’s so much training out there in patient interaction and care. The majority of physios I’ve encountered privately mainly but also NHS have been great, but unfortunately like everyone in life there’s some not so good ones. Do persevere and hope you’re feeling able to tackle the world more soon 😊
Thanks for sharing your experience with me Annie - it actually was a real comfort to read. I'm sorry you also had a crappy experience, but it helps me to know that perhaps I wasn't just being picky or over-sensitive! It really wobbled me in my confidence to speak to / approach these kinds of specialists. I've actually been recommended someone who has a clinic in a nearby town that I'd never heard of! It was a joy to read their website as they seem welcoming, progressive and seem to be willing to listen to the patient and tailor to them, rather than being given short shrift (when I explained a little of my previous injury history she told me afterwards with an eye-roll that I had been 'going on' and she just let me because I seemed upset...I mean, I was mortified!!). I'm feeling hopeful about my appointment with the new place in a couple of weeks' time. I do agree about feedback, and I would usually always bite the bullet and let them know my thoughts kindly and nicely, but I am actually still so humiliated and upset when I think about those two appointments and how shamed I feel, that I can't quite bring myself to make contact with them - it's not her clinic, she's just there once a week. Eeek! Maybe one day! Thanks again for your really generous and kind message, and glad you're finding improvement and good support too. xx
I never thought I'd beam at being called an Italian Motorbike Bob, but there you have it - I am beaming. :) Thanks old pal. I left a comment on your great piece about your 40th in India that you posted on Amateur Emigrant. I think you should consider writing over here on Substack on your page! x
Gail, your words are a comfort and always appear when I need them. So thank you! I have been in and out of the doctors and hospital the last couple of weeks trying to figure out chronic pain, flare ups et al. It’s made my anxiety unbearable or the worst it’s been in years. I hear you with the fear of not being believed, it’s exhausting. I cried this week, I wasn’t even anxious about the x-ray, it was because I was sure I wouldn’t be able to find somewhere to park. It left me so paralysed. I think my ADHD brain lumps all my anxiety together which exasperates everything. It’s left me feeling overwhelmed and burnt out but trying to keep going which isn’t sustainable. I don’t have much energy for anything and because I am still learning where I can pour my energy it feels like I always making the wrong decision.
Thanks, friend. I think it's so comforting to know that someone 'gets it', but I'm sorry that it also means that you're still wrangling the goblins of chronic pain. The parking thing makes SO MUCH sense to me. I often get overwhelmed with the many different tasks it takes to get something that used to seem simple done - like being on time! When I'm tired or in pain, it feels so very hard. I know our neurodiversity brings SO much goodness and joy, but dang when it's in its villan era it knows how to kick our asses, right? I think when in doubt, pour your energy into the thing that makes you feel 1. Safe and 2. also nurtures the creative piece of you, because that might well be your best and most reliable channel for communicating not only with the world (and making income) but also of communicating with the muddled piece of yourself. So safe creation, whatever that looks like in any given day, and knowing that sometimes you can't trust the worry goblins, and you just have to drown them out with the innate surety of your authentic talent. Much love, keep going. xxx
So sorry to read this Gail, I truly hope you find a resolution. Have you seen a podiatrist? Recently I had a full gait analysis -I saw a guy near me who was recommended by the BEST physio in the South West as I was having knee issues which I’d been seeing her for, but then developed plantar fibrositis and an ingrown toenail, all on my left foot. He spent 2hrs going through my entire body and gave me some insoles and exercises and now I’m hopefully getting there! His knowledge about biomechanics was incredible. If you want I can send you his details, he may have contacts in Cornwall. I think everyone should see a podiatrist!!
Oh, Gail. Thankfully, I don't have chronic chronic pain, but I have had some long bouts with it. Currently it is my right hip and shoulder. I have an orthopedic appointment May 7. The pain is definitely cramping my style. It limits my walking, clouds my mind, and messes with my ability to sleep.
On the plus side, I have always had a strong auto-kinetic sense so I can at least tell where the pieces of me are. Naproxen is an old friend. My body tolerates it but not ibuprofen. I have not gotten back on oxycodone, but I have considered asking for some. I was on heavy doses after the infected hernia major surgery. I love the stuff. I hate the stuff.
Pilates has been a lifesaver for me. My first morning mug of tea gets set next to my yoga mat in the living room. It is how I get this old body stretch and dekinked and mostly functional in the morning. Corky and I have weekly sessions with an excellent instructor, who understands things like hiking and canoeing and falls on the trail. Trekking poles help me on the trail. I've taken to using a cane around the house to keep my gait even.
I've had to back out of some weekly commitment to lower the number of spoons I consume in a week.
But mostly I survive. I developed a roll of film last night and scanned it in this afternoon. As I looked at the scans I could hear the camera telling me, "You're bored. You really need to get out on the trail and do some photography instead of simply taking pictures for something to do."
Hang in there. Or not.
Blessings,
Steve
Correction. Right hip and knee. As I was saying about the addled brain and all.
Ahh my dear, wonderful Steven! What a message this was to read that evening when I posted this. It felt like a big hug and huge, honest solidarity. I really do thank you for it. I am sorry you're having to wait until May 7th for you next ortho appointment - it's a long time when you're in a lot of pain, and both hip and shoulder together is a very painful-sounding combination for both general movement and also fine motor skill stuff with your right arm. Gah! I am sending my love and encouragment to you. I love to read of your routine in the morning, and that you do pilates every day. I don't currently have a regular, daily morning movement routine aside from twice a week weight training v early in the morning, and walking Bill. I think I'm too scared to move my sore body when I wake, but I know that's counter intuitive! I should just do it. I used to get up and go for a run right away, which was a super way to start the day but the rain has been endless here (not today though hooray!!) and I don't want to anger my shoulder with the back and forth movement - but maybe movement is exactly what I need! :) Thanks for the reminder.
Ahh - spoons. Yes indeed, we have to preserve our spoons! You'll get back to those commitments before too long and they'll be doubly glad to see you :). And tell me, did you get out with your camera at all in the last week? And what was on those scans?!
Sending love and gratitude,
Gail xx
Thanks, Gail.
I rate my gentle morning unstiffening and dekinking high on my list of survival mechanisms. I am careful to keep in mind the Pilates/yoga distinction between discomfort (which means you are stretching something, which is good) and pain (which means you are tearing something, which is bad).
I did get out briefly for some picture-taking on Friday. I need to get back out on the trails, carefully.
In case you missed my previous correction, my shoulder, thank God, is fine; it's my right hip that is giving me fits. I think the hip and knee problems originally independent issue, though they are certainly mutually exacerbating (which is, of course, exasperating).
Be gentle with yourself, both physically and emotionally.
Blessings,
Steve
Sorry to read this lovely Gail. ❤️ Sending huge hugs your way and this link to someone I saw on Insta, Helen Hall. You may already be aware but just in case it’s of any help. 💪🏼xhttps://www.instagram.com/helenhallpfm?igsh=NWNjeDh2ZGsxbjVj
Thank you Cheryl! I have followed Helen Hall now, thanks to you. Super interesting and thanks for the recommend. Hugs well received, and right back at you x
So sorry about your experience with physios. I have RA and a combo of issues from that and some genetic/sports issues meant I worked with a physio where I am in Sussex for the best part of a year. He was positive, he got the frustration, he was always looking ahead to where I wanted to get back to physically. I could be brutally honest with him, we would laugh at my balance issues, and celebrate when things got better. I am forever grateful to him for where I am now physically. Butttt when I had a new diagnosis of spondylolisthesis just before Christmas a few years ago he booked me in with an older female physio in his practice (he was early 40s, I would guess she was mid 60s) it was one of the most negative experiences ever. I held it together in the appointment but went home and cried and cried literally for days. In the new year I asked him if I could go back to him for it as I didn’t want to see his colleague. He made me tell him as it was his practice and he was mortified that she had upset me so much. I would urge you to be brave and feedback to the practices you went to, there’s so much training out there in patient interaction and care. The majority of physios I’ve encountered privately mainly but also NHS have been great, but unfortunately like everyone in life there’s some not so good ones. Do persevere and hope you’re feeling able to tackle the world more soon 😊
Thanks for sharing your experience with me Annie - it actually was a real comfort to read. I'm sorry you also had a crappy experience, but it helps me to know that perhaps I wasn't just being picky or over-sensitive! It really wobbled me in my confidence to speak to / approach these kinds of specialists. I've actually been recommended someone who has a clinic in a nearby town that I'd never heard of! It was a joy to read their website as they seem welcoming, progressive and seem to be willing to listen to the patient and tailor to them, rather than being given short shrift (when I explained a little of my previous injury history she told me afterwards with an eye-roll that I had been 'going on' and she just let me because I seemed upset...I mean, I was mortified!!). I'm feeling hopeful about my appointment with the new place in a couple of weeks' time. I do agree about feedback, and I would usually always bite the bullet and let them know my thoughts kindly and nicely, but I am actually still so humiliated and upset when I think about those two appointments and how shamed I feel, that I can't quite bring myself to make contact with them - it's not her clinic, she's just there once a week. Eeek! Maybe one day! Thanks again for your really generous and kind message, and glad you're finding improvement and good support too. xx
Oh Gail ! You spread such a map of experience for us to learn new directions, orientation and resilience to stuff off the map.
If you were a motorbike, I’d instantly check provenance - Italian wiring !
I never thought I'd beam at being called an Italian Motorbike Bob, but there you have it - I am beaming. :) Thanks old pal. I left a comment on your great piece about your 40th in India that you posted on Amateur Emigrant. I think you should consider writing over here on Substack on your page! x
Gail, your words are a comfort and always appear when I need them. So thank you! I have been in and out of the doctors and hospital the last couple of weeks trying to figure out chronic pain, flare ups et al. It’s made my anxiety unbearable or the worst it’s been in years. I hear you with the fear of not being believed, it’s exhausting. I cried this week, I wasn’t even anxious about the x-ray, it was because I was sure I wouldn’t be able to find somewhere to park. It left me so paralysed. I think my ADHD brain lumps all my anxiety together which exasperates everything. It’s left me feeling overwhelmed and burnt out but trying to keep going which isn’t sustainable. I don’t have much energy for anything and because I am still learning where I can pour my energy it feels like I always making the wrong decision.
Thanks, friend. I think it's so comforting to know that someone 'gets it', but I'm sorry that it also means that you're still wrangling the goblins of chronic pain. The parking thing makes SO MUCH sense to me. I often get overwhelmed with the many different tasks it takes to get something that used to seem simple done - like being on time! When I'm tired or in pain, it feels so very hard. I know our neurodiversity brings SO much goodness and joy, but dang when it's in its villan era it knows how to kick our asses, right? I think when in doubt, pour your energy into the thing that makes you feel 1. Safe and 2. also nurtures the creative piece of you, because that might well be your best and most reliable channel for communicating not only with the world (and making income) but also of communicating with the muddled piece of yourself. So safe creation, whatever that looks like in any given day, and knowing that sometimes you can't trust the worry goblins, and you just have to drown them out with the innate surety of your authentic talent. Much love, keep going. xxx
So sorry to read this Gail, I truly hope you find a resolution. Have you seen a podiatrist? Recently I had a full gait analysis -I saw a guy near me who was recommended by the BEST physio in the South West as I was having knee issues which I’d been seeing her for, but then developed plantar fibrositis and an ingrown toenail, all on my left foot. He spent 2hrs going through my entire body and gave me some insoles and exercises and now I’m hopefully getting there! His knowledge about biomechanics was incredible. If you want I can send you his details, he may have contacts in Cornwall. I think everyone should see a podiatrist!!