Okay, after a bad day and a worse night I’m actually feeling a little better – at least I dragged my arm to the typing position without actually whimpering. Though it seems I still need the help of the left hand to get it to the mouse.
Went to bed around nine – after most studiously and trepidatiously climbing the ladder – and to my pleasant surprise went straight to sleep for over two hours. Then the pain woke me and kept me up for several hours, but I did finally fall back to sleep around 3ish when the pain eased off.
Right now getting stuff done is being more an exercise in “how do I do this with only my left arm” rather than OOOOWWWWW, which is a big improvement. Guess the swelling went down a little.
So I’m dressed – except for tying my bootlaces, which I haven’t quite figured out yet – and getting ready to meet D&L for my trip to the big town. They have more recent experience with doctors and hospitals than I do and may have some advice as to how to approach this. I am of course reluctant to go to an emergency room and beg free stuff (and expose myself, frankly, to all those sick people) but have no money for doctors. Just got an email from Landlady telling of an icepack in her freezer, which at the moment seems a very long way away. Tried it yesterday with a frozen one-pound pork roast. 🙂 Didn’t really work very well. 🙁
So anyway that’s where it stands. I’m feeling much better than at last report, but at last report suicide wasn’t out of the question so I’m not exactly feeling well. Also I’ll be gone most of the day.
Later, and thanks for all the concern. That actually was pleasant to read, while figuring out how to put on a shirt.
Joel I know you like emergency rooms as much as I do (not) but they are a necessary evil. When you get there don’t forget to use the disinfectant and keep your hands clean. One last thing, when you’re inside the ER don’t touch your face and when ever you touch your hands to anything (door handles, magazines etc.|) the first chance you get, wash your hands. This will mitigate the chances of picking anything up that isn’t airborne. This is one place where proactive clean is paramount. Last thing you want is the next few weeks fighting a flu bug.
Good luck today, I really hope your injuries aren’t as bad as you think.
Jezus! Take care of yourself!
gfa
Good thoughts and energy coming your way.
When I damaged my right shoulder rotator cup, the doctor gave me an arm sling with instructions to put my arm in sling and not use it for two weeks (luckily, my truck is automatic transmission). By the end of the two weeks, I was using the arm to move my computer mouse (really difficult to manipulate with off hand) but it did the trick – no surgery required.
My symptoms – after damaging the shoulder putting away Christmas ornaments, I could not lay down for longer than a few minutes before the shoulder began to ache, progressively getting worse if I did not move it. The night before I had enough, I had to sleep sitting in front of dining table, with head resting on table in front. Just couldn’t take it anymore.
I hope your health continues to improve.
Anxiously waiting for an update on possible medical diagnosis, even though I know it’s still too early for you to be home. ! Sending up prayers, positive energy and good thoughts.
Ice for the first 3 days after an injury like that, then heat after that. You need a care package with some home health aids for people who live alone in the middle of nowhere and rely on solar power. Hope you at least had aspirin. Sending healing thoughts and energy to you. Let us know when you can how you are doing. (Sidebar: Have you had a flu shot? Immunizations for Tetanus? Typhoid? Pneumonia? Hepatitis A, B and C? Herpes? Shingles? Measles, mumps and whooping cough? Do you have an immunization record and take it with you when you leave home?)
Well, dangit, Joel, I can only add my well-wishes to the rest. Hope you were able to find some sort of diagnostics there in town.
I’ve been just living with my own bum shoulder for 2-3 years now, so I have some empathy. Damnit, it sure sucks.