Friday, November 21, 2014

Learning Left

One of my big fears has come to pass - I have not been able to play pickleball due to an injury. Picture me looking very sad… and mad, too! I injured my elbow at the end of August. Oh, well, I thought, I have two months of traveling, so I can give the elbow a rest. The elbow did get a bit better… but not enough. And, as soon as I returned home and began doing physical things around the house, the pain intensified. I have lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow.


Healing can take over four months. The last time I developed tennis elbow it took a year to recover. But, I refuse to wait that long to play pickleball! I enjoy the sport too much to hang it up. So, what's a person to do? Well… since I can't use my right arm, and since I was given two arms, I'll just learn to play with my left. Insane, huh? I guess that's what addictions do - they make people do crazy things! I have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly I have adapted to left handed play. I manage to get over 50% of my shots in bounds, and each time I play I find that I can return more shots. Serving is still a bit of a challenge, and all of my shots are wimpier. But… I get to play, and for that, I am thankful!
My Doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. The medication has worked wonders in relieving a lot of the pain. I am performing the PT exercises religiously. And some day, my arm will be as good as better than new. But, until that time, I'll continue to work toward becoming a leftie!

7 comments:

  1. I have had that from time to time. I found a velcro band just below the elbow helped with the pain...not sure why...but it did. It is amazing what we can teach ourselves to do! :)

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    Replies
    1. I wear one of those bands whenever I am doing anything 'strenuous'. It is also a good reminder NOT to do anything strenuous with my right hand!

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  2. So sorry your elbow is acting up.
    Wow, you're becoming ambidextrous! I'm impressed!

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    Replies
    1. Well…. maybe not really ambidextrous, but I am getting a bit less spastic!

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  3. I've had that bilaterally and it takes forever to heal, I feel your pain. I wore an epilock for a long time and I found it helped a lot. http://www.amazon.com/Epi-Lock-Tennis-Elbow-Support-Medium/dp/B0008E8IPC

    Hope you heal quickly and that your learned left-handedness goes smoothly :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh, my! That looks like just the type of support I need. I will be getting that, for sure. Thanks for the link!
      You had it in both arms? At the same time? How did you manage to do anything?!

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  4. Poor you, Dreaming ~ but what a study in persistence you are ~ learning to play with your left hand! You go, Girl! /and heal fast!

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