Arm pain

[GaryM]

I have overused my right (good) arm, attempting to do some gardening on Tuesday. I didn't think I'd done anything wrong at the time, but later that evening and ever since I've had a very sharp shooting pain from near the thumb/wrist joint that shoots up the inside of my arm whenever I extend my arm fully. I've been trying to rest it as much as possible and using Voltarol intermittently. There is no swelling, and no pain when my arm is folded, just suddenly when right at the limit of extension. I assumed it was just a pulled muscle or irritated tendon, but then wondered if it was connected with the MND. I'm mainly concerned because I'm due to go in for a PEG in a week and am struggling to do the simplest tasks. I know the usual advice to use rest, heat, cold and painkillers.

[denise]

All I can say is Stephen really seems to suffer pain if he attempts anything. It seems really exaggerated. I don't mean I think he's making it up I mean it's seems extremely painful to him. I think it is mnd but I can only go by what I see in him. After a rest, painkillers and hot water bottle it seems to go. His peg procedure went really well and he had no painkillers and no problems. Don't ask me to figure it out because I thought I wouldn't hear the last of it if the peg hurts and yet no worries. Saying that if yours hurts then I apologise in advance.
I'd get someone else to do the gardening. Or do less might be an idea.
Denise xx

[GaryM]

.....
I'd get someone else to do the gardening. Or do less might be an idea.
Denise xx

Thanks Denise. I'm trying to encourage my wife, but she doesn't enjoy gardening like I do/did. She did plant two plants though and is looking after me now so I'm not complaining. It's probably the thing I'll miss the most. I can still enjoy looking at it though.

With respect to my original question, my left arm has no strength at all now, but is completely pain free.

[Shaun]

Hi I’m forever overdoing it and normally suffer intensely for a while but it eases off, I think we take a little bit more time to recover. So I do things in planned short spurts now. My physio tells me that our bodies adapt to the situation so if we cannot do something it learns to use other muscle groups which causes additional strain on them, that’s how she explains away my aches and pains. Still hurts though.
Fortunately for me, my wife does all the gardening , I’m only trusted to cut the grass

[Ellie]

That'll teach you, Gary 😆 You'll just have to watch Monty on the telly like the rest of us.

Do you think it's some repetitive strain injury? Maybe a strap or splint would stabilise your hand/wrist, reduce pain and shorten recovery, in addition to what you're doing.

Good luck.

Love Ellie.

[GaryM]

Thanks for the replies Shaun and Ellie. I hadn't thought of other muscles taking over. Thing was I didn't feel like I was overdoing it at the time, only later that evening. I don't think it's a repetitive strain injury. I tried a bandage yesterday but it didn't seem to make any difference. I've emailed the physio for any advice, I'll see if she comes up with anything.

[Shaun]

Gary, hot bath for my legs , always after golf and a hot water bottle for my shoulder , that’s what my physio recommended and splints considered for my hands, but they are not very comfortable
my wife recommends no golf, yeah like that’s going to happen whilst I am still mobile

[denise]

When I think how Stephens body has changed. His weight has dropped a lot and with it his muscles. So I presume trying to do what you've always done with less strength is going to take it's toll.
take it from someone who is older and not as strong as I used to be. I'm determined to try and do things I just have to take a different approach 🤔