It seems I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Aside from watching all that is good and decent in America being crushed by soulless rat bastards, my traitorous left shoulder joined the party, and all things combined, it just seemed like there was no way up.
Not that I always need to be right, but I “suggested” to medical professionals back in March that I might have frozen shoulder. Don’t ask me to explain what it is. It’s a thing. They also call it adhesive capsulitis. I had it in my right shoulder shortly after my mastectomy in 2015, so I am somewhat familiar with the symptoms.
They all agreed I did not have frozen shoulder. I asked about getting a cortisone shot, and they said no, it most likely wouldn’t help whatever might be wrong with me, if only they knew, but since it’s not frozen shoulder, I should stick with physical therapy.
I did as I was told for close to six months, although I didn’t see much improvement. The PT said it would take a year of hard work. I’m like, fine, bring it on. I couldn’t get back in to see the sports medicine doctor until late January, but I could ride it out until then. I could still play golf, so it wasn’t the end of the world.
Then I couldn’t play golf. I no longer had a swing and couldn’t strike the ball properly. It’s like my shoulder was, oh, I don’t know … frozen?
I brought it up at my annual physical, and the doctor said we probably ought to get an MRI. That’s done, and the results are in. You might be surprised to learn I have frozen shoulder. She referred me back to the sports doctor, who still couldn’t see me until late January, but they got me an appointment with one of his colleagues.
He said, oh! Frozen shoulder! You need a cortisone shot! You could have gotten this earlier, you know.
I got the shot last week, and it really is a pre-Christmas miracle. I can play golf. I can sleep on that side. It still hurts a little, but it’s mostly gone. One shot fixed me last time, and I’m hopeful that will be the case this time around. Now that I’ve had it in both shoulders, I’d like to think I’m done.
Which brings me back to watching democracy rot from within. I don’t know what to do. Part of me just wants to pretend it isn’t happening, but the other part of me says bad things happen when good people stay quiet. I know a lot of good people read this blog, so I suspect you ruminate on this as well.
I quit writing for a few weeks because I just sort of felt like, what’s the point? But I think the point for me personally and for all of us struggling with the political landscape is to never surrender. Do what you can, but don’t torment yourself. Focus on simple pleasures.
I’m no pundit, but I think it’s important that everyday people say what needs to be said. That means I will continue to stand up for liberal values and share my thoughts on what it’s like to be an American right now, because I’m a writer at heart, and that’s what writers do. They write about what torments them.
But I am also hoping to find my sense of humor again – I think it took a sabbatical shortly after the last presidential election. In the meantime, I hope a little commentary along with food and books and movies is somehow entertaining or comforting. We’re all here trying to live our lives as best we can, and maybe it helps to know you are not alone in your anger, sadness or confusion.
That’s why God made cookies, and that’s what I am making today. I’m gonna turn on some music and maybe even dance in the kitchen.
I want you to know that your writing helps people. I found your blog shortly after having a bilateral mastectomy in 2018 and I enjoy your theories on life, your art adventure and general badassedness. Keep up the good work!
As for the orange-headed dictator, protesting with a bridge brigade weekly, contacting my senators/rep daily on the free 5Calls app, and getting updates from several reliable newsletters (including Heather Cox Richardson) gives me hope.
Stay the course!
From one breast cancer survivor to another, thanks for the pep talk! I do love the 5 Calls app. I figure I’m on a “special” list at my Republican congressman’s office. And Heather Cox Richardson is the best. So, yes, we must stay the course.
Hang in there girl! Yep, you have to be your own advocate and resist the naysayers. We’ve had similar problems with our med docs. Glad you got that shot and hope it helps long term. Do you have Instagram? I think you would get a kick out of watching an account called kris.and.dave. They are husband and wife veterans who crack me up. Kris is a badass and she tells it like it is. I also go down the rabbit hole watching kitty reels 🐈⬛. Cookies sound good too! Sending peace to you over the holiday season.
I don’t do Instagram, but those two do sound interesting!
News flash for locals: I think I just saw the sun!!!!!
Something is announced each day that is worse than the day before, but there are big cracks forming in the regime. All the pushbacks and lawsuits are working. The orange monster is babbling more incoherently everyday. His administration, if you want to call it that, is being exposed for the incompetent morons that they are. There will be a reckoning. Putting all the pieces back will be a long challenge.
You are so right. You think it can’t get worse, and then it does. But you are also right about the cracks. They are starting to show up almost as frequently as his babbles. I was pleased to see Indiana say no to rigging the vote.
Honestly, this just says it all. And thanks for saying it.
Thank you. I get demoralized from time to time, but then I bounce back.
Thank you. Your words help ♥️
Thank you so much!
I have been following you for a long time and love your writing.
Your writing brings hope and joy into my life. I always look forward to your words.
Thank you!
I really appreciate your kind words. We shall keep calm and carry on.
Well said, and sorry about the shoulder, but glad you got the cortisone shots. The few I’ve had in my knee did help, although they say it’s a bit of a crap shoot.
Each day it seems it can’t get worse, and then it does. Trump on the annual national Parks pass I mean if that isn’t horrifying, I don’t know what is. Well, like you said, we just have to hang in there, and one step at a time, and hope for better days.
Well, you know what it’s like to have these creaky body parts. Hope your foot continues to improve. So far, my vitamin “C” is working.
The national parks pass is beyond ridiculous. Then I saw something yesterday about a proposal to require that visitors from a long list of countries privde five years of social media history. I figure no one is going to want to come here. The bright side is maybe we can get a park reservation!
Park reservation –way to put a positive spin on it. 🙂 I’m glad you got relief from your frozen shoulder and sorry they wouldn’t listen to you.
I get a weekly email from Jess Craven about all the positive things that have happened that week. An example would be grand jury declining, again, to indict Leticia James, and Indiana saying no to redistricting. That weekly list of positives keeps me going. That and baking. . .
You are so right — there are lots of positive things happening. Indiana was a great one! And, then, of course, baking.
I developed frozen shoulder on the right side in my 40s. I was told they have no idea what causes it, it takes a year to peak, and it takes a year to resolve. That was pretty much my experience. Six months later I developed it in my left shoulder. I wanted to kill myself. I feel your pain. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Well, then, you know what this is like. It is feeling pretty darned good. I slept much of the night on that side last night — that’s real progress. The first time they told me it was probably related to the mastectomy. No explanations for why this time.
Your commentary, whether on food, golf swings, a soon-to-be thawed shoulder, or the insanity we are living through does both entertain and comfort. I live in a sea of red, have found some true-blue friends, and love reading your words about the craziness we are living in. I’m one of the ones who worry about staying quiet, but when I dig into what can I do, I spiral down quickly. I appreciate those who are doing – physically protesting. I sent money to the ACLU this year to help the fight. And I hope and pray that the cracks forming bring that whole regime down.
Thanks for the kind words. They help! You described my problem exactly — I dig into what I can do, and then I spiral down. I also gave some money to ACLU and a couple of other organizations. They are working hard and making a difference. My husband, the glass half-full guy, keeps reminding me about those cracks. Let us hope.