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Hey everyone, and please, let's try to keep things friendly!
Just one for me this week. I haven't really been feeling coffee lately.
Usually, I’ll have anywhere from zero to three cups—though that usually just means some really watered-down Nescafé Irish Cream, depending on my mood...
Actually, if I have two espressos, I start shaking. I really can't handle caffeine...
Just in case anyone is looking for a bit of firsthand experience—I didn't have any issues taking the medication itself.
The only thing I really had to watch out for was making sure I took it on a completely full stomach. (I definitely messed that up a few times, and boy, did I feel it!) It can be pretty rough on your stomach if you aren't careful.
Anyway, I took my very last green pill this past Saturday, and honestly, I am just so relieved to be done swallowing them! Even though I finished those two days before the actual treatment ended (which lasted about 10 days) and then had another four weeks to go... all in all, it was about five or six weeks on antibiotics. Luckily, I didn't deal with any stomach issues, fungal infections, or anything else, and my liver held up just fine.
The only difference is that I can't drink as much as I used to. I've been cutting back quite a bit because alcohol just wasn't agreeing with me, even before this. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially for my bank account 😁, but I have a feeling I'll be back in top shape pretty soon... 😁
Lymphatic drainage should really help with the swelling in your hand and fingers. It’s basically a type of massage where you use light strokes to guide the lymph from the extremities back toward your torso—basically moving it toward the heart. You really ought to have a trained professional do this, though. In the meantime, try not to be too aggressive with the massage; just keep it gentle, moving from your fingers up toward your forearm and upper arm. Whatever you do, don't go in the opposite direction! Also, when the swelling gets bad, try to keep your hand elevated. Prop it up against a wall or use some pillows so your hand stays at the highest point possible. You can do this while watching TV or just relaxing, and it should help bring that swelling down. I can't give you much more specific advice than that, because I really shouldn't be guessing off the top of my head...
Try working on your hand by pushing for normal movement. Use your healthy hand to assist the affected side with things like gripping and grasping. If you notice your hand swelling up specifically after exercising, it's a sign you probably overdid it and need to slow down. Definitely use your strong hand to mimic everyday motions—for example, grab a comb with the affected hand, and if your grip isn't quite there yet, use your healthy hand to steady it while you try to comb your hair. You can even come up with your own little "tasks" like that. The main thing is getting as much tactile and spatial feedback to that hand as possible; it really helps the recovery process...
I know how incredibly tough this is, but at the end of the day, nobody can help you more than you can help yourself (though, honestly, finding a great physical therapist as soon as possible would be worth its weight in gold)
Good luck, and please keep asking questions. I'll answer anything I can, since I am a physical therapist myself
I know things are tough right now, but please try to practice as much as you can and really focus on using your left hand. I’ve been away for a bit, and even now, I don't get nearly as much time on the forums as I usually do (though hopefully that won't last too long)...
From what I've read about what you're going through, getting started with physical therapy should be your top priority. You really want to jump in early to get the best possible results.
If you have the chance to head out to a wellness retreat, I’d highly recommend checking out somewhere like Palm Springs. Their neurological rehab department is fantastic—they have some incredible therapists there who specialize in the Bobath method, which works wonders for hemiparesis (I'm just guessing based on what you've shared, since I'm not entirely sure where you stand currently)
I'm finally back! I'll be getting back into the swing of things tomorrow (assuming I don't sleep through the entire day)... those plane seats absolutely wrecked me, not to mention the lack of sleep and hauling heavy luggage everywhere.
I see there are already some complaints piling up, but hang in there just a little longer while I get my head straight...
Sending love from my freshly baked victory! (I finally got that degree the day before yesterday), and now I'm just cooking up something new in Bangkok!
It’s mostly because of the risk of spreading metastases.
Also, if any lymph nodes were removed, you should stick strictly to lymphatic drainage. You definitely want to avoid an aggressive massage, since that can actually trigger edema...
A friend of mine is dealing with something pretty similar. During the winter months, she gets this intense itching all over her body, and she’s noticed that it really flares up whenever she walks from the cold outdoors into a super heated room.
She’s gone through every test under the sun, but they haven't been able to pin down what's causing it...
Jeffrey Edwards5 said:First off—you want to gently stimulate those muscles supporting your spine, the ones running along either side of the vertebrae 😁 and then you massage them by using your thumbs to pull upward from the base of the skull... just remember, your strokes should always move from the bottom of the body up toward the head. That’s how you drive the circulation upward toward the brain.
Not necessarily, though. You can actually go in the opposite direction too.
Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Myogelosis—those little lumps of milk cells you feel under your fingers—aren't dangerous, but they can be pretty tender to the touch. You can work those knots out with a slightly firmer massage.
Actually, myogelosis refers to muscle knots where the tissue has basically turned from a solid to a gel state, not clusters of milk cells. They usually happen from prolonged tension, most often in the dominant arm or for people with desk jobs here in the States. You might find them between the spine and the shoulder blade, or even on the outer edge of the scapula. They can also show up in the lower back area near the spine...
Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Just a few more tips—always start massaging the right side of the back before moving to the left.
That is completely incorrect. I have no idea who told you that, but it really doesn't matter whether you hit the right or left side first. Personally, I massage them simultaneously—working one side a bit, then the other, or even using both hands at once for certain movements...
Jeffrey Edwards5 said:Never massage someone who is pregnant, someone with varicose veins, or anyone dealing with skin diseases or open wounds.
Pregnancy isn't an absolute "no" when it comes to massage. As long as everything is going smoothly with the pregnancy, they can absolutely get a massage, though you definitely have to adjust their positioning. In fact, most pregnant women struggle with lower back pain, so a good massage can be a lifesaver... Beyond what you mentioned, the list of contraindications is actually quite long—you could find it in any standard American massage textbook. One massive red flag is malignant diseases; in those cases, massage is strictly forbidden. As for people with varicose veins, they can still receive massages, you just skip over the affected areas or stick to very light, soothing strokes...
I know a lot of people at Aromarin use sunflower oil during massage classes, but I also know plenty of clients who can't stand the smell of it (to be honest, I’m not a huge fan either). Personally, I prefer using almond oil as my base. As for other options, grape seed oil is great, and hazelnut oil is lovely too, though it gets a bit pricey... Olive oil works fine, but it has that distinct scent that some people just don't care for. I'm also big on using different lotions and milks—basically whatever is handy. The only thing I stay away from is powder or talcum.
Regarding those massage websites, just browse through them a bit. At the end of the day, it's mostly about getting hands-on practice and finding your own unique style...
Right now, I'm totally immersed in Thai massage, but it isn't really what most people think of when they hear "massage." It's more of a manual technique that feels a lot like chiropractic work than a standard massage.
Honestly, don't get too hung up on labels like "sports" or "relaxation" massage... at the end of the day, what really matters is finding a therapist who actually knows their stuff and can tailor the session to what your back needs. Most of those fancy names are just different ways of describing a good, classic manual massage.
That being said, if I were you, I’d definitely give a Thai massage a shot! 😁
driftinggull13 said:I’m a big believer in the power of grabbing drinks with friends. It actually helped me through a huge rough patch at home once, and honestly, I think it keeps my immune system strong too—I hardly ever get sick...😉 😁
I’m right there with you, especially when it comes to those golden brews with a thick, creamy head. When you're with a great group of people, it’s like soul medicine. You walk away feeling better instantly, both mentally and physically... 😁