There’s just one problem – my right arm swelled to twice its size on Monday.
Poison Ivy. Yep. All thanks to the landscaping help I gave my dad before our house was overrun by relatives and other out of town guests. That was two weeks ago and the dreaded stuff keeps getting worse.
When the swelling didn’t go down, I went to the doctor on Tuesday. Now I’m on heavy duty steroids and anti-itch meds that don’t just make me drowsy but put me in a coma. And I still have a puffy Popeye arm that aches whenever I type, write longhand, or hold a book.
This wasn’t the homecoming I expected.
In fact, I spent most of Tuesday drugged up and feeling sorry for myself. I got down on myself and my writing. Self-doubts that I managed to stave off before came back in full force, somehow knowing I was in no shape to disregard them this time.
Every time I get discouraged, I come back to the same thing: I know I am improving but I have nothing to show for it.
When I get in these funks, I usually start something new, something exciting, something that will distract me from the doubt. But that’s not so feasible this time. Not with my achy puss-filled balloon arm.
Consistency is so important to both my process and my progress. And when unexpected setbacks get in my way, it can be that much harder to get going once more.
I need to give my arm a break, but I’m curious to know how you deal with the unexpected.
4 comments:
Setbacks happen so just go with the flow. Once you're off the meds and your arm is back to normal, you'll find your routine again. You can always speak into a recorder if you can't physically write, or just dream. Dreaming is perfectly acceptable for writers!
When your arm heals and you're still in a funk, perhaps you need a new routine. I need to switch up my writing schedule every month or two.
Good luck and get well! I don't get poison ivy, not even when it touches my skin. But one of my brothers gets it really bad whether or not he touched the plant. So I hope you feel better soon!!!
I enjoyed reading your Blog.
This spring/summer was full of setbacks for me...hail, pet died, house flooded...twice...not so much fun... I'm still dealing with it...so I'm not the right person to ask...sorry! I hope you feel better soon. :)
Thanks Laura. I tried the recorder once, but found myself too self-conscious saying my thoughts out loud... May have to try it again sometime.
Samual, thanks for stopping by!
Sharon, it sounds like you've been blitzed by a bout of bad luck. Hope things level out for you! Arm's feeling better, so my fingers are crossed!
Post a Comment