2005-09-09 - 4:25 p.m.

>Smashy And Grabby...

So, I had my first physio appointment this morning. I was lucky enough to be assigned to an incredibly awesome physiotherapist with whom I was instantly at ease. She was just so nice. I am, however, somewhat sore after the prodding and stretching and twisting and electric stimulation. When she wheeled in the interferential current machine and starting rubbing conducting gel on my shoulder and neck, I was delighted. I love machines that look like they come from some B-grade science fiction movie. She taped down a pile of electrodes and before long I was buzzing away with tingling waves all through my neck and arm.

So I have all sorts of exercises to do and all sorts of things I'm not supposed to do (Only 20 minutes on the computer at a time?! What kind of torment is this?). Next week I go in for 3 double-length appointments. I'm actually looking forward to it.

The down side is that the insurance company hasn't formally approved my coverage for physio, so I am paying $50 a visit. I was afraid to ask if the double visits were going to be $100. Yikes. And me taking several weeks off work. Good thing I'm a little squirrel and can survive a couple months if necessary.

Bee just started back to school - her first days as a grad student (she's just starting her Master's). So she is paying tuition and all that and she won't be supporting me anytime soon. Luckily she has a Teaching Assistant job as well. Although she going kind of crazy with everything that's on her plate. Well, I will be around for a couple weeks to console and commiserate whenever she needs me. So that is a plus.

Well, I am overspending my welcome on this keyboard, so I had better follow my PT's advice and go do some stretches. Thank you so much all you thoughtful commenters you. In response to a couple of you: No neck-brace for me, Alice, I guess the current thinking is that early mobilization is better. It sure would be awesomely attention-getting, though. And no heavy medication for me either, Melanie! My doctors think that managing pain through exercise and massage is a better way to go. The old "suffering is the road to salvation" thing, I guess, ha ha. Unabashed affection to all of you.

Unless you're uncomfortable with that, in which case I give you an ironically manly nod and shove.

P.S. Apparently, this is what I will look like at age 70.