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Friday Flotsam

By on February 21, 2025 in Friday Flotsam

Frrrrrrrrrrrrreeedeee.

This is going to feel a bit different today. Partly because I don’t have much silliness bouncing around up in the noggin lately, but also I’m kind of in the mood to just be real with you all. Not that I’m not ever not real. Not really. (huh?) But this is definitely a season of challenges and I just feel like talking about it. Being a bit more vulnerable and open about everything. And the thing is, it’s not just me. EVERYONE goes through rough patches and are hit with hardships from time to time. Shoot, I can take a quick glance at the entire country and WORLD and realize we have it so, so good.

And I’m definitely not going to bore you with the laundry list (no pun intended) of challenges we’ve experienced over the last few months because many are ironed out. So many are. But the main thing we gotta fix right now is Aaron’s shoulder. So if there are any physical therapists or doctors reading this (because you have so much time!), this is my cry to you. This is what we know so far:

He’s seen two doctors plus one physical therapist (for a quick consultation because it was going to seven THOUSAND dollars and that was a huge hell no), taken multiple rounds of muscle relaxers + pain pills, had monthly massages, worked on band exercises/yoga at home on the regular, only to be met with very mild relief. His shoulder is knotted past the point of normal, and we’re at a loss of what to do next. I will say, his next round of muscle relaxers aren’t ready until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, and his next PT meeting (with someone muuuuuuuch more reasonable) isn’t until March 4th. But guys, what do we do until then? He’ll have waves of relief under the relaxers, but without those, he’s in agony. He’s rotating between icing it and heating it, resting it and stretching it, medicating it and letting it be, and it’s awful. And it affects everything. I know time will pass and he’ll be okay and he’ll get it taken care of, but I wish this could happen today and right now.

What do you recommend? Dry needling? Cupping? Any specific stretch? A specific pain med? Because I’m about to- I mean he’s about to die. And we gotta figure this out. If you have any advice to give, we’ll take it with open arms. Hahahahaha! Get it? Arms? Shoul – ? Never mind.

This is all I have today. This week I posted Focaccia Pizza and it’s insanely good. You have it try it. On top of that, A Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Plates. Outrageous.

My website is also acting up, so if you have trouble and if things look jank, do let me know. I’ll try and tackle soon.

Next week things will look up, I know it! Take all the care.

,

13 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Jenn P February 21, 2025 at 7:06 am #
    Shoulder pain is the worst. I have trouble with both of mine because of work, and I also haven't found the best thing. I did have a great PT for a while and she did the dry needling, which I think is really helpful. But until you can get to a PT (that isn't a fortune) maybe try a TENS unit. You can get them off amazon for not a lot of dollars. It's sticky pads attached to an electric current thing, think non hurty jumper cables. They send current to the nerves to numb them, to disrupt the pain impulses. I have one for when I throw my back out, and I've recently developed tennis elbow, and it's helping. I've also tried cupping, and while I don't know if it's hokum, I sometimes feel better afterwards. Good luck. Deep breaths.
    Reply
  2. Kristin February 21, 2025 at 8:06 am #
    Does Aaron have an actual diagnosis? If yes, there are some amazing PTs on YouTube. I have used (P)rehab for my knee. I wish you luck. Chronic pain is awful.
    Reply
  3. Nancy February 21, 2025 at 9:55 am #
    I’m so sorry Aaron is in so much pain. I, too, wonder if he’s received a diagnosis. It’s not much but I will send up prayers for him. Has he tried acupuncture? It might help. This may sound woo-woo but healing any emotional trauma may help. It’s been said the body keeps the score.
    Reply
  4. Audrey February 21, 2025 at 10:50 am #
    I am not a medical professional, but I am someone who has struggled with shoulder issues and I know how painful it can be. I saw a shoulder specialist doctor who gave me a simple move to loosen up the knots in my shoulder blade area, but this method can be used all the way up to the neck/shoulder area. And it doesn't cost anything!! The doctor recommended that I take a tennis ball and put it in a pillowcase. Hang the pillowcase over the bad shoulder and stand with your back to a wall with the pillowcase touching the wall. Lean into the wall and using the tennis ball, find the place that hurts. Get the ball right on the painful spot and gently roll around on it, while standing up leaning against the wall. When he finds a knot, press into the wall for 30 seconds or so, until the knot loosens. I really hope this self massage will temporarily relieve some of his pain. Sounds goofy but it helped me! I also did physical therapy and acupuncture. Good luck!
    Reply
    • Kristin February 21, 2025 at 12:31 pm #
      Yes!! I was also wondering about foam rolling, but the tennis ball can probably target the knot better.
      Reply
  5. beth February 21, 2025 at 11:16 am #
    I hope I haven't missed some details - ignore this if so - but KEEP ADVOCATING for an orthopedist and they will figure it out. They can give cortisone shots for temporary relief but is not even remotely normal to be in agony like he is. Follow up with every lead and keep telling doctors about the pain. PT and cupping and dry needling are not for extreme pain but rather for arthritis, or for the relief of discomfort. And I've never heard of PT costing that much.
    Reply
  6. Jenny February 21, 2025 at 11:21 am #
    We have an incredible PT! She’s helped with many of my injuries from tennis, and with my husband’s shoulder issues too! She’ll come to you, and it isn’t terribly expensive! Megan at Full Range Mobile! She does dry needling (acupuncture), e-stim, mobility exercises/stretches, etc…whatever your needs are! She’s wonderful! Also, we use a lacrosse ball, similar to the tennis ball mentioned in another reply! https://www.fullrangemobile.com/our-services
    Reply
  7. Nan February 21, 2025 at 11:38 am #
    I love the tennis ball approach! Also the emotional idea: I had wrist pain for years until a therapist encouraged me to focus on the pain, like stare at my wrists and try to feel it, and see if there were any words, messages, or emotions “in there.” I had a huge life insight because of it and made a major life change that was so healing. The pain completely went away after.
    Reply
  8. Kelly February 21, 2025 at 2:19 pm #
    I'm so sorry about your husband's shoulder problems! Definitely not fun...like others, I'm wondering if he has had tests (MRI, etc) and has been given a diagnosis? Has he seen an orthopedic surgeon? Relying on med's doesn't sound sustainable, and I'm sure it's life altering. Anyway, I am not a doctor, but I'm married to one, so if I can help, I sure will!
    Reply
  9. Kristy February 21, 2025 at 2:49 pm #
    Alliant Hemp has a fantastic CBD salve that might bring the pain down a bit, and if he's game, some people find relief with THC/CBD gummies as well. Cycling Frog has some very low dosage ones that might help as well. Hope he feels better soon!
    Reply
  10. Tracy February 21, 2025 at 4:20 pm #
    Hi Bev. I hate that Aaron is going through this & I know all too well how it is affecting your lives. My husband went through something similar a few years ago. I highly recommend seeing an orthopedist. After several tests and an MRI they discovered a nerve being pinched by inflammation in his shoulder. Once they finally figured that out all it took was a prescription anti-inflammatory to relieve the pressure and pain. This might be something causing Aaron’s pain? Hopefully an orthopedist could give you an answer. We went to St Luke’s in KC. Wishing you the best.
    Reply
  11. Kelli February 21, 2025 at 4:56 pm #
    I don't think anyone else has recommended this? You might consider going to a sports chiropractor who specializes in Active Release Therapy. When I have muscular issues this really helps without breaking the bank. Find one who won't string him along...just be several sessions. I feel like Aleeve helps with this type of pain best. Chronic pain sucks.
    Reply
  12. Jen February 21, 2025 at 7:10 pm #
    Thanks for sharing and being real, dear Bev. Strong, positive people often have trouble sharing problems and asking for help (it takes one to know one, maybe?) so I want you to know that I appreciate your vulnerability and hope for some relief for Aaron soon.
    Reply

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