Getting on my nerves

This will be a short one today.

Last week, hubs and I went to Vegas with a plan for five days of fun, relaxation, and exploration. What happened was four days of pain and agony.

I developed what I now know is a pinched nerve.

For the duration of our trip, I tried to medicate my way through neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, and numbness in my fingers. Everything I tried, failed. I couldn’t find a comfortable way to sit, stand, walk, or sleep. It was an endless and painful fidget.

I should have listened to my husband and we should have gone home after the first agonizing day. I genuinely thought this would resolve in a day or so and we could carry on.

I haven't been this wrong about something since I vetoed the purchase of Apple stock when it was about $90 per share.

Yeah, I live with some regrets.

Yesterday morning, after another pain-filled and sleepless night, I went to urgent care and was quickly diagnosed with cervical radiculopothy - a pinched nerve in the neck. It's common as we age and in my case was triggered by spinal degeneration - also common with aging. I had an x-ray to check for other damage and signs of bone cancer, and I'm happy to report I’m in the clear.

I've now got a prescription to treat the nerves and multiple appointments with a physiotherapist. I need to be as aggressive with my recovery as I am with pressing on through pain.

For the next while, I need to take it easy. Rest my muscles, take my medication, rub in the Voltaren. I'm typing this newsletter on my phone because the weakness in my left arm and hand makes it impossible to type with a proper keyboard.

I am very motivated to take care of me so I am in good shape for the Nov 4th launch of Katya Noskov's Last Shot. I hope you can make it to the launch party at Owl’s Nest that night from 7-8:30pm.

On the bright side, I am using my pain-free windows as an opportunity to think about what is next for Katya and her new friends. Pain can cloud my judgment, but it can also spark some emotionally charged ideas. I'm dictating notes and will review the chaos at a later date.

I'll sign off for now, as the pain is ramping up again and I need to sit with my left arm extended above my head, like a keen student with a burning question, but really a post-menopausal woman whose nerves are getting on her nerves.

XO

Dana