Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Hurt

Hello Friends. I guess some of you may be wondering where I have been. I haven't posted in ages. I've been having some pain and numbness in my hands and arms, so I haven't been writing much. The pain is kind of distracting anyway. For months now, I've noticed my motor skills haven't been great at times and I've lost strength in my hands. Turning the knobs in my shower is sometimes hard. So is pressing the buttons on my iPod. My hands fatigue quickly when I hand write. Lifting my arms to type this is painful and strenuous. Ahhh! All of this seems to have gotten worse, perhaps because of physiotherapy.

I think that I just ignored these symptoms. I remember telling myself and believing that I was imagining them. I also didn't question them. I didn't realize I was getting numb until my physiotherapist asked me how I felt while he did certain things to me. I really listened to my body and realized and told him certain things were numb. Still, I didn't think that was abnormal. Now I know it is.

My physiotherapist told me I have thoracic outlet syndrome. Basically my spine curvature and fused discs are somehow affecting the nerves and circulation in my arms. Physio should help... Eventually, I hope. It seems to be making my back, legs and arms hurt more. Hurt a lot. I don't know what that's about! My spine and arms are often very sore and less mobile. Sometimes the pain keeps me up at night. Anyway, this is why I haven't been here. I have stalled some projects for this blog until I improve, at least a bit. Actually, another reason I haven't written here is because I didn't want to publish anything else before these projects.

Physiotherapy is helping me to talk about my symptoms. That's a huge part of physio, telling my PT how I've been feeling and how his maneuvers and exercises feel. It's funny because I started physio to improve my balance and reduce fatigue related to the Post-Viral and Dandy Walker syndromes, but my spine has actually taken centre stage. Also, I've learned that my spinal problems most certainly contribute to my pain and fatigue when I'm standing or walking. My physiotherapist has felt muscle spasms in my back and scar tissue around my spinal cord. Why did I let myself get to this point? I should have sought help for this years ago. After a scan of my spine seven years ago, I was diagnosed with spinal problems, but I never sought help for them. It's time to stop being brave and quiet ...

I'm wondering if maybe physio isn't quite helping because maybe something undiagnosed is going on. My physiotherapist was intrigued by this suggestion. You see, because of my Dandy Walker, I have some sort of nerve problem with my right eye. I don't have peripheral vision in the top right corner of it. If you drop a brick on the right side of me, I won't see it coming, but that's about the only problem with this eye thing. Maybe other nerves in my body are affected by my Dandy Walker. I looked it up and Dandy Walker can cause nerve problems. That would also explain other seemingly harmless nuisances I've been getting, some for years, like muscle twitches, swelling and skin pain over my entire body when I have a cold or something (doc told me it's viral neuropathy). Who knows. I guess I need to see my neurologist and get some tests done. I also want advice on medicinal pain control.

After I published my last entry, I didn't want my next one to be about my health, but I wanted to explain my absence. My upcoming projects will be fun, I promise. I just have to take care of myself first.

15 comments:

  1. Always happy to hear from you, no matter the subject. Welcome back and I send good vibes for you over the airwaves!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am looking forward to these 'projects', I can't wait to see what they are! Here's to hoping you feel better so we can enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sorry to hear about the health problems, Ashley... I thought that maybe something was wrong since you haven't been around much lately... Hope you are doing better now...

    Thanks for stopping by.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with Betty. It's nice to get an update from you. It can't be easy hurting all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I missed you. Just be gentle with yourself, though. We all want you to be feeling better.
    Hugs,
    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  6. Do you think muscle relaxers would help you with the stiffness? I don't know. It's just a thought because it helped my back sooooo much!

    I'm sorry you're having problems, but at least the physio is helping you become more aware of your body and symptoms. It's worth something right? :) Just keep at it and I know you'll figure it out.

    I can't wait to read about your project.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good to see you again, Ashley. I had been wondering where (and how) you are. Sorry, things have been grim, hope the physio starts rewarding you soon. Can't wait to see your new projects!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Many hugs and hopes that you are feeling better soon!

    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Ashley, good to know that you are around and hopefully getting better. Lots of well wishes from here and looking forward to hearing about your fortcoming 'projects' ...will be stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am very sorry to hear about what you are dealing with, and I hope there is something that will start to make you feel more "comfortable".
    Look forward to checking out your "projects" hopefully soon!
    Take care, thinking of you and sending you positive, healthy vibes!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think taking care of yourself first is an excellent idea.
    Take care xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. p.s.

    could you do me a HUGE favour>?
    could you have a look at my sisters blog and comment on her latest entry....
    she has designed a blog about my brother and needs a few more "positive comments on it!
    thank you somuch
    john post below!
    http://supportingandrew.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi... You don't know me from a hole in the ground, and quite frankly, I don't even know how I stumbled across your blog... but your post touched me. I live with chronic pain in my back, arms, shoulders and hands. So I get what you are going thru, and I just wanted to say, please take care of yourself now. I ignored all the warning signs for years, and now they are irreversible. Take care of yourself!

    Tracy
    www.goodgirlgoneaverage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. nice blog, please visit my blog too ...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Bossy - Thanks! I felt those vibes.

    Joe - Your interest in my work makes me excited to create it and share it! Thanks! I'll do them even if I don't feel well.

    Betsy - Thanks for noticing my absence and wishing me well!

    Jack - Thanks for caring. You're right it isn't easy.

    Rawkn - That's so sweet! I will take your advice.

    Achieve - Yes, although my main problems are with the spine, these do tense up my muscles, so I think a muscle relaxer could help. Thanks for your advice! Next time I strain my neck I will seek a prescription. I agree that physio is good to help me understand my body better. I appreciate your sympathy and care!

    Pauline - The physio awards me some times more than others, especially in that it's helping some things, but not reducing sensitivity. Thanks for showing so much care!

    Jane - Thank you! I felt your hug.

    Mary - Thanks for your sympathy and interest in my projects. It makes me even more excited to share them!

    Laurinda - Your sympathy especially touched me, so thanks!

    Terri - Welcome! I missed you. Thanks and I'm glad you agree.

    John - Hey John, why does this message start with "PS" since there post preceding it? I checked out the blog. It seemed to me that all of the comments on that post were positive, so I'm confused about why you say she needed some and quoted "positive"!

    Average - Welcome to my blog! This is true empathy. It's so nice that you took the time to warn me and share your own experience. I'm sorry you're in pain and thanks for visiting.

    ReplyDelete

Blogger - Ashley Ashbee

Blogger - Ashley Ashbee