Sunday, October 28, 2012

Ropes & Stones


After only five visits, she gave up on me.

Actually, that might be putting it a little harshly.  She didn’t exactly “give up on me.”  She just said she was out of ideas and didn’t know how to help me, and that I could schedule more appointments, but all she could do was try to massage the knots out of my shoulder blades ~~ knots that she said were like ropes and stones buried beneath the skin of my upper back ~~ knots that didn’t go away after five weeks of physical therapy like she expected ~~ knots that bucked her off when she dug her elbows into them, throwing her off balance.

You may remember a recent post in which I wrote about the emotional roller coaster of searching for remedies for my chronic pain.  One thing I can say about this particular ride: at least it was short.  It took a year for the spine specialist to advise me to give up – actually, his words were “to throw your hands up,” and “get on with your life.”  At least this physical therapist only needed five weeks to realize she was in over her head. 

If it sounds like I’m totally discouraged and depressed, I’m really not.  While the pain can be frustrating and debilitating at times, I’ve really pretty much gotten used to it.  I mean, it’s been there every day for twenty years or so.  Continuing to live with it is far from the worst thing that could happen. 

Anyway.  That’s my update.  If you ever need to borrow a rope, I always keep a few on hand in my shoulder blade region.  Just need to figure out how to get them out…

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