Who is talking about dying? I am just looking for input on finding a way to continue working and maintaining a roof over my head.

It was an extrem exemple.

The unknow is the main problem, for me.

One thing the PTs told me often, when the pain is gone , the strength will return. I think Sharon Butler mentions it also.

I found that to be pretty much true for me, it is the pain that limits the strength, and/or causes the sensation of weakness.

Of course if there is long term inactivity then muscles will certainly lose tone & strength.

Same for me - big muscle use mostly OK but detail/fine finger/hand uses = had many more problems

Handwriting still is messy after a line or 2...I do much better on keyboard, but still hit wrong keys if too long at puter.


I really suggest exploring sticky tissues information on Sharon Butlers website , or her RSI book (in most libraries).
www.selfcare4rsi.com
the articles section is a good place to start -
http://www.selfcare4rsi.com/rsi-articles.html

I had to read her book a few times for it to really sink in, but then it made so much sense. One reason most MDs don't get RSI or TOS is they don't really study much on this sort of thing at all, unless they want to specialize in it.


This is So true - needs to be our motto...
[-- I built these problems over a long period of time, so it's natural it will take awhile to get better.]

It does take a lot of trial & error - maybe some gadgets along the way to help with the discomfort.

My dh hurt his knee this summer and had limits to use & bending still bothering after a month, so we got a little ultrasound machine from amazon, under 100.00 and there were some cheaper, but wanted to be sure we got a decent machine.
It did help a lot with his knee and I use it on my shoulder at times too.

Years ago, I don't think I could have bought a US machine online without a drs sig or rx. Now you can even get an IF stim without a drs sig/rx.
And prices are coming down also.

The low level lasers are still about a 1000.00 though...someday...

yes pain and loss of strength are from the same thing

I guess it's one day at a time, but I am somewhat nervous what the future holds. Don't want to do any more damage.

Hi 343v343, You're right about one day at a time.

I'm 34 days post op now and yesterday was my best day. I was stupid enough to over exert with some cleaning up around the house..... and so be it, result-now achy and pulsing in ears + slightly breathless this morning!
The thing is you can't predict the future BUT you can judge what to do in the present.

I know my limitations but every now and then forget them.

I worry about causing more damage to myself especially about scar tissue etc......so that it is why I make certain that I focus on my posture as much as possible. I'm not obsessively correcting my shoulders 24/7 but I am becoming more aware of how I sit and hold myself.
When I ache, I stop and I stretch it out --------GENTLY!!!!!!!
I'm laying off strengtening at the moment as I think my body is just about getting to grips with new breathing techniques and meditations. The body does enough in everyday situations..... you don't have to be pushing weights in the gym to keep fit. I like to walk. It helps with the circulation too.
Today will be a day of being more nurturing to myself, some stretching, corpse pose and belly breathing etc.
Listen to your body...... take back some control.
KEEP POSITIVE!!!!!!!


P.S

I just wanted to add...... keep in mind that the human body can and does heal itself!!!!!!!! Just give it time and the chance to do so.
This time last year I couldn't even stretch my arms out to swim.... this August ( 2 weeks before my op- VTOS ) snorkled in Egypt...... I will again!

NEUROLOGICAL symptoms ( as bad as they can get) CAN + DO SUBSIDE/IMPROVE if given the chance.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY