United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I've spent the last 5 1/2 hours outside pruning, trimming and cutting back trees. Now I hurt like the dickens. I don't think I'm ever going to get used to not being able to go out and work like that. What's worse is knowing that what I did was only 1/10 of what needs done and that if I don't do it it's not going to get done.

Christy,
Eventually you will learn. I have no BPI and it took me turning 40 to realize I cannot do what I used to....I have other "MEDICAL ISSUES" but I always tried to overdo it and I finally realized that it will be there another day......no one does it for me !!! Gayle mom of Brandon 7 1/2 ROBPI

I did that last summer, then I told my husband he's alone next time. That wasn't worth it to me. I feel silly not doing things I know I can, but I think about what I'll feel like afterward and SOMETIMES that's enough for me to behave and not push myself. If you have to do it, just take it in smaller bits to get it done. Some days I have to do that with the dishes, and laundry.

-Traci

I think we all know some of the things we do we will pay for later. It becomes a choice. Sometimes, if we don't do it, it won't get done. If it has to get done, then we just do it, and live with the consequences. I do know that for me, I often will go ahead, knowing what will come, hoping that this time it won't. Even though it always does. That is the part I have to learn.

Hi "Girl's",
The 1st thing I learned here is to PROTECT and STOP overusing my "good side" or I will be sorry later and sure enough, artheritis has set in on shoulder,arm,hip and hand joints in the last few months. On my recent trip to Ohio I learned thanks to Nancy & Kath, that 15 minutes in the Hot Tub relieves my pains & tightness. I now use the Hot Tub at the Health Club I go to for water excerize class 2X a week. I am told that the YMCA's have warm water pools and theraputic Hot Tubs....so check that out for family memberships; they usually have a Day Care also, for very little cost or trade for volunteering there a few hours too.
Stop doing those things that hurt. My son now vacuums for me because my "good arm" now suffers alot of pain after I use the vacuum.
Hugs,
Carolyn J

Well girls, I would like to say I was smart enough to know when to stop over working... but I was not the brightest light bulb in the package.

I love garden work and I would go out side and just keep going until it was dark. I never thought about the consequence of my actions. I assumed everyone felt like I did after a hard days work. I did not realize that some day I would pay for not taking care of my so called "unaffected arm". That cracks me up when I call it "unaffected" poor little thing is over worked over used and very much under valued until we begin to loose function from over doing it.

I had to live and I had to function. I wish that when I hit my late 40's and early 50's I had stopped pushing. I think I caused more problems over working then.

Now I don't push it but I blame it on my age... LOL...

Kath ( right/obpi)

I know your pain. I am having a spring fever attack and have been doing the same thing. The only advice I have is do it in small spurts. I try to not work in my yard more than two hours at a time and even then I'm sore and in pain the next day. I say every day I wish I could hire a gardner or a landscaper but I enjoy being out in my yard. Sometimes it is the only peace a girl can get.

Bumping up for Glen.