Welcome to the wonderful world of "flare-ups"... all of a sudden, all you can do is hang on for the ride and wait for it to pass.
All you can do is focus on *TODAY*...
... and if you survive today you get to do it all over again tomorrow - when it becomes the next today.
It happens to us all! For me, my shoulder injury added an extra layer of SO NOT FUN.
The possibility of shoulder surgery meant I had to cancel my Remicade infusion for Psoriatic Arthritis (because of the possible increased risk of post surgical infection). Taking Tylenol #3 meant stopping the methotrexate for Psoriatic Arthritis because while they are both useful, they are both toxic to the liver.
So along with the pain that comes from two large rotator cuff tears and neuropathy that leaves my entire arm feeling like it's on fire... I got to anticipate the PsA flare that was inevitable by postponing treatment. When the meds wear off, my fingers and toes feel like I broke them by slamming them in a door. I have to watch helplessly as in a matter of days, the bone in my fingers are visibly and irrepairably damaged 'pencil in cup' style. That's in addition to the enthesitis...
Those who know my history know that a mild case of Spastic Diplegia (Cerebral Palsy) basically means I walk a bit funny, trip up a lot, and my feet and calves are constantly cramping (like 24/7 plantar fasciitis with a bonus 24/7 charlie horse). Adding enthesitis of the heel to that combination is indescribably uncomfortable, and I only use those words because I can't think of any more accurate.
That said, since the orthopedic surgeon recommended physical therapy first to help determine how much of my pain is really from the tear and how much is actually from nerves compressed in my neck, I was able to get a Remicade treatment in (it's like magic!), and those symptoms are fading away. I see the spine/pain doc later this month for another consult, and in the meantime my PT team has managed authorization of a TENS unit at home, which helps with shoulder pain.
The positives in the last few weeks allowed the flare to pass, and me to spend a lot of time hanging out with my grandkids - that makes managing the rest worth the effort it takes to manage. I am one happy Gramma!
But where's the crochet right? LOL
Here's what has been off the hook...
The yarn is Miss Babs Mulberry Silk in the Biker Chick colorway. If Santa is listening... Miss Babs Mulberry Silk is extremely high on my list of favorite yarns. Although Miss Babs Wild Silk is pretty high up there too.
Apparently, you can also tell I am a huge geek by peeking over my shoulder to Maleficent, a Quibbler, TARDIS, Merida and my Spectraspecs hanging on my Alex Kingston (River Song) autograph on my Shelf of Good Things. Haha!
Last but not least, I dug into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Crochet by Kati Galusz.
It seemed obvious to start with these two beloved characters, but I will be making my way through the rest of the book as time goes on.
It's amazing what you can do when you focus on *today*.
Til next time...
Merry Christmas!
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