So it turns out that I don’t have a frozen shoulder. I’ve been using that phrase not really knowing what it is I guess.
Apparently I have two separate issues – firstly a strain in my bicep area from 12 years of travelling for work. If you carry a heavy handbag, backpack, messenger bag, whatever, don’t carry it on one shoulder all the time. Actually, you know what? Stop carrying it. Take less stuff. Or get a wheel-y suitcase. It’s just not worth it. I can’t lift my left arm at all anymore and it’s likely going to take months and months to repair.
The second “issue” is a suspected torn rotator cuff from an injury. Again, I think it’s from the handbag/backpack, although not from carrying it. I did it by reaching behind me over the back of the couch to bring my handbag over to me, full of laptop and stationery and everything that’s usually in my handbag. I felt an excruciating snap and it’s been dodgey ever since. That was two months ago. I haven’t been able to move that arm since, hence me calling it a frozen shoulder.
At work last Tuesday, I could feel my lower back acutely. Lots of twinges, and I said to someone – I think my back is gonna go today. And about 20 minutes later it did. My ribcage locked and I couldn’t move or breath deeply. It was diabolical. I’ve had it before a few times but I am never prepared for the amount of pain that it brings.
Luckily there’s a physiotherapist in my building. She released my ribcage for me and thankfully I was able to move again, albeit gingerly and still with a lot of pain. Since I haven’t moved my left arm in so long, the left side of my back had locked up and I was, of course, over-compensating on the right side.
I saw the doctor the next day and he asked me how long since my shoulder injury. When I told him two months, he shook his head and said that while denial is always an option, it’s probably not the best one. Anyway, I have to have an ultrasound and an x-ray this week to see what’s going on. Either way, it’s months to repair, possible surgery, and putting up with the pain in the meantime.
So, that’s that. How exciting. I have to be careful when doing my photography now. I am so aware of how I stand, how I hold myself, when shooting. I tend to centre myself over my left leg and then lean over to the right, usually turning my head half on its side as well. So weird. I must look ridiculous.
The other side, of course, is editing the photos. Editing time is usually a lot longer than the shoot. My stupid office chair (at home) sinks over time. I think it needs a new gas cylinder. Anyway, I kind of don’t notice it sinking until I realise my shoulders are tensed up and my elbows are almost in line with my shoulders.
Sheesh.
I’m noticing a pattern of denial and avoidance. LOL.
So, ultrasound, X-ray, physio, painkillers. Sleeping on a pile of pillows. What a life, hey?
I’m sorry that I’m sounding a bit doom and gloom, it’s not all bad. It’s really just getting ready in the morning and carrying things that are incredibly difficult to do. There’s a lot of shoulder movement required when getting dressed, especially for girls! And since I can’t lift that arm, washing my hair is also incredibly painful.
So if you see “shaky shoulder” or something similar in my posts where I’m describing the shooting conditions, now you know why. 😊😊
Sorry for the slight departure from photography. Normal programming will presume momentarily.
Hope you’re well!
x desleyjane
Musings of a Frequent Flying Scientist 
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