United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well this question probably isn't out of the norm.

I was just curious, I have been busy with work, kids, housework etc. and can definitely tell when I am over doing it.

Sometimes I just have to lay down flat on my back to alleviate the neck and shoulder pain. I was just curious if anyone else gets to feeling this way. The other day it was about 11:30 and I was at work. I couldn't wait until the day ended so I could just go home and lay down. And that's exactly what I did.

It's just frustrating at times when you are trying to run a household etc. One day of not picking up in this house leads into a total nightmare.

I am doing better in asking my kids and husband to do things but it is very frustrating when you can't move.

Anyways, I was just curious if anyone else ever felt like they just needed to lay down and alleviate the pain.

Thanks

Rachel! I so was hoping this was not what I was going to read. Thats how the pain that I used to have started. I would say you need to see an OT/PT that does deep tissue massage and ultrasound. Once you have been worked out a little try kinesio tape. It saved me for a year! I am so sorry that you are in pain, I truly understand and it totally sucks! I bet you are doing a lot of repetitive movements arent you?
Thats what used to be the worst for me but then it became every thing and it hurt all the time. I would suggest not living on pain killers if you take too many they just stop working. Maybe try a chiropractor if you dont already go on a regular schedule. That has really helped keep me in order.

Trying to think of anything else that made that pain a little more livable.... Oh I remember one, stop using your upper trap for every thing!!! You need to learn to relax that muscle and not to let it innitiate every movement. We got Kath to stop at camp and I believe that helped her a lot.

Wish I could just be thee and give you a hug!
So so sorry that you have this pain! I hope it resolves!
Hugs and prayers that you pain goes away,
Amy 21yrs, ROBPI from MN

Rachel,

I'm sorry that you are in such pain. I think you did exactly the right thing for your pain. I don't think you need a lecture on the importance of taking care of yourself. You are more important than the housework. Whatever housework your husband and kids don't do for you will still be there (unfortunately) after you've taken care of yourself. I mean, it won't walk out of your house and shout to the neighbors, "I'm still here because Rachel didn't take care of me!" Take care of yourself first.

Joanie

Rachel
Please continue to rest when your neck and shoulders feel that way.
You don't want to wake up one day and they don't heal as well or as fast.
Listen to Amy and Joanie and don't worry about the housework.

I got rid of some of my major neck pain when I started to use Myotrac and my brain learned that I don't have to use my upper traps to move my arm...
I can't tell you how well that worked for me.

See if you can get someone to use the biofeedback semg on you to retrain your arm for movement.
I think there is a code some of the parents used to get the machine under their insurance.

I bought mine because I was so sure I would not get my doctor to order it for me. But if I had it to do over I would have fought my insurance for it.

Hugs
Kath robpi/adult

Dear Rachel,
I am so sorry,too, to read of your pain. Yes, I reach a point most every day now, that I must just lay down flat or else I am "over-my-line" (Scott cals it that) and suffer worse if I don't just go lie down. The earlier you start doing interventions like PT/OT/ hot tub and all other "availables", helps.(I didn't start anythinguntil finding UBPN 4 years ago.)

Perfection in a clean, perfect,household is a BPI-er's
enemy. For our own sanity and well-being, accepting a lower(comfortable-for-us) standard is necesary.

HUGS,
Carolyn J

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

It's amazing to me that I feel great in the mornings and then by mid afternoon I am just hurting. I'm sure it is because I do the same movements and to be honest I have been slacking a bit on my stretches.

I was getting a deep tissue massage once a month last year but quit going because it was costing so much. I've been going to the hot springs so far three times once a month. It really does help but then it flares up again.

I think the mental problem I'm having is that when people look at me they see me as looking "normal" and I'm not.

I've had people lately tell me I'm walking crooked. Or why are you leaning your head to one side, are you alright?

Without having to go into a big long story about it I always say oh yes, I'm fine as I'm gritting my teeth in pain. Ahhhh...

I'm interested in this myotrac machine because I'm sure it really would help to retrain my arm/shoulder movement.

I know the off and on warm to cold weather isn't helping me out either. Spring is on it's way.

Trust me, my house is never immaculate but just imagine how clean it would be if I wouldn't have to rest my neck all the time. *L*

If anyone finds the code I would be interested in looking into it.

Thanks a bunch and I'm glad to know it's not just me.

Thanks a bunch everyone.

*HUGS*