Manic Monday

This is how I "get" to spend my time when I go to physical therapy two times a week.  This is traction.  Basically, my neck is supported just under my ears, and the machine is pulled down by weights to elongate my neck just a little bit.  The machine holds for fifty seconds, and then releases for ten seconds.  It is not a quiet machine, but rather has a gentle hum.  Tony came with me today, hence the lovely photo opportunity.  To be honest, it's pretty relaxing and, even better, appears to be helping a little bit in the time immediately following treatment.

I've been to the doctor three times, and so far the diagnosis has remained the same:  cervical (neck) strain, shoulder strain, lumbar  (lower back) strain.  The doctor took x-rays a week ago, on my second visit, and we went over them today.  He felt that nothing was awry with my bones, I have no arthritis that he could see, and what the pictures show was consistent with his previous diagnosis.  Unfortunately, I'm still in pain.  Twice today he informed me that we have to go with conservative treatment for six weeks...and then we'll see what comes next.  Initially I was scheduled for four weeks of PT, visiting twice a week.  Today was my sixth visit to my physical therapist.  So far, we are scheduled out twice a week through April 10.

During my therapy sessions the therapist does manual massage trying to lessen my pain and increase my mobility, working primarily in the area of my shoulder (that is where most of my pain appears to be coming from).  When talking with the doctor today, he told me it's really tricky to determine whether it's more a shoulder injury that also hurts my neck or vice versa.  I do have some numbness and tingling that radiates down my left arm into my fingers, which suggests there might be a pinched nerve in my neck as well.  The therapy helps while I'm there, and I'm quite sore when I leave.  I haven't noticed a huge difference yet in the reduction of pain, except for the two and a half days I was on a steroid.  Then -- holy cow, look out!  I was virtually pain free.  Unfortunately, I developed one heck of a cold within twenty-four hours from taking my first dose.  Enough so that with a fever and chills the doctor discontinued my use of said steroid.  I am taking a muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep (and also to reduce the muscle spasms) and during the day I have 500 mg of Naproxen (basically prescription-strength Aleve).

All of this is fine and dandy, I suppose...except that I'm missing a ton of work trying to heal.  Not only is this taking a toll on me, but the folks at school do not like having to cover my classes twice a week for me to go to physical therapy and doctor appointments.  It's tough to balance it all -- I want to get better and know that I didn't do anything (except my job), but ended up injured anyway.  The doctor has cleared me to work, with restrictions.  As I think I may have mentioned before, it is nearly impossible to have control of, and teach, a classroom full of 40+ students at a time when you are seated.  Sadly, I'm supposed to alternate between sitting and standing (when sitting I prop my arm up so it isn't just hanging there like dead weight).  I am also supposed to be putting heat on my injuries -- twenty minutes on the neck/shoulder, twenty minutes on the back...and repeat.  That is so not happening as often as it should.  I'd also like to point out that, although I teach high school, for some reason I bend over an awful lot each day.  I've been restricted to bending no more than 20%.  What the heck is that?  That's not even enough to really both bending over in the first place.  Perhaps I'm just more clumsy now that I'm aware of this restriction.  Seriously, I seem to find things on the floor that absolutely need to be dealt with, immediately, all day long.  Craziness, really.  Here's to hoping it's all back to normal one day soon!

As I sign off for the night, I'll clue you in on an event coming up much too soon!  On Thursday, March 27, 2014 my school (Milwaukee School of Languages) is having our annual Festival of Nations.  Groups of teachers work with their students creating displays, interactive events, cooking and serving food, and much more for families in the community to come and enjoy.  Last year I decorated my room like a Costa Rican rainforest (see photos).



This year, my goal is to create a classroom "under the sea," the Caribbean Sea that is.  My classes are working on learning about Cuba, The Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.  Our focus has been on how living near the Sea has influenced their dance, music and art.  We've also started to look into whether or not there were any ill-effects experienced by the people of these islands after the most recent BP oil spill.  I can't wait to see what the kids come up with -- if you're in the area, stop on by!  There will be more to come on this later.  I have nine school days to prepare, and as of this moment we've barely started decorating my room.  Signing off now to catch up on beauty rest and find the whimsical inspiration of the sea!