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.

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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!