Living with Cerebral Palsy

First, I must apologize! I can’t believe that it has been a week since I have posted anything. Time flies, even if I am not having fun.

I have another funny story to tell you, on myself of course! But, I want to tell you about my thoughts on my Tuesday first.

I had a doctor’s appointment, to check my blood pressure. But, I knew I needed to talk to her about this pain that has been a steady ache for 2 weeks that radiates from my should blade and down my left arm. In fact, if the ache gets intense, even my fingertips hurt. Honestly, I was concerned I had a torn rotator cuff or something. With 2 bad limbs already, I knew I wouldn’t be able to care for myself, if they had to work on my arm.

But, I absolutely LOVE my doctor! It is the first time in 25 years that I have really felt comfortable. So, we talked. She started pressing on my shoulder, and of course she found the real ouchie point! It seems I have bicep tendonitis. Of course, since I use my arms for both arms and legs, it will be a recurring problem, especially as I get older. But, it is not a surgery thing.

I AM SO THANKFUL!

Then, we discussed my care options, including a cortisone shot. I told her I was ready for one today, just to get some relief. I knew I was in for it, when they brought in a consent form! Time to run! Oh! I can’t!

Then, Dr. Breck came in with a 3 foot needle! Okay, that is a slight exaggeration. But, it was long enough to reach through the muscle clear to the joint. In addition, the needle itself was bigger around and was going to punch a larger hole than normal.

Of course, the doctor was very apologetic. She numbed my skin for the initial poke. It was time to create a diversion! So, I told her the story of the attack of the snuggy. While we were laughing together, I hardly felt her sticking that HUGE needle in my shoulder!

The moral of this story is simple. A very painful situation is made a lot easier, when you remember to be thankful and try to have a positive attitude.

So, next time you go to the doctor for your cerebral palsy or anything else, remember how blessed you are to live in a day and age where medical care for this disability is possible. Your doctor may not have all of the answers, but he/she works all day with people that forget to be thankful and only know how to complain. You will be surprised how far a little thanks will go for both of you.

It sure took the sting out of that 3 foot needle for me!

This entry was posted on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 9:13 pm and is filed under living with Cerebral Palsy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.