I come to you VERY HUMBLY from my recliner — just returned from an acupucture appointment, old blanket strewn across my lap, and hot tea at my side. I’m using my heated eye mask tucked into my sports bra as a spot treatment for my ravaged back. Did I suddently become a grandmother without telling you all? Well it certainly feels that way. But I’ve actually got a pinched nerve that I’ve been nursing for the past week. And I am not happy about it.
This has happened once before in the Fall of last year, and took about 2 months to go away. But that’s also because I waited quite a while to treat it, thinking it was just a sore muscle… until I couldn’t move my arm and had to make a visit to the urgent care. This time, I knew immediately what that wicked discomfort was and booked myself a massage. It was a doozy of the deep tissue variety, and didn’t really help much. So until I could get in to see my doctor (tomorrow) I’ve been self-treating with pain killers, lidocaine patches, heating pads, posture correctors, TENS therapy, and the urge to cry. Without actually crying because my Lexapro is working overtime.
I feel so vulnerable and frustrated, but am trying to force myself to sit still. The first few days I was doing all my normal chores and laundry and whatnot, only to be writhing by bedtime. So beside a walk in the morning, I’ve been sitting or laying down as much as I can stand. Turns out I’m really not good at being off my routine. I worry about missing my workouts, as much as I despise them. I worry about missing events like my kiddo’s Spring Break coming up. And I worry about missing this beautiful time of year in LA. It has also given me a newfound empathy for people who struggle with chronic pain. I’ve always been sympathetic to it, and I know just being still for a couple months does not come close to a comparison. The affect it can have on your well-being is pretty intense though. I am very mad at the body that has betrayed me. *Rings shame bell*.
All that aside, I didn’t actually come here to complain. Sorry about that! I wanted to share an update to my goals for the year. Since we just finished up February, it’s a good time to take stock of where I stand with my purchases. My January update can be found here.
February Clothing Additions
Free People Pullover (via Poshmark, other colors available) | Onitsaku Tiger (via eBay, but try StockX!) | Universal Standard All Day Cigarette Pants* (gifted) | Universal Standard Maine Stretch Flannel* (gifted) | Universal Standard Hudson Quilted Jacket* (gifted) | Universal Standard Derjon Trench Coat* (gifted)
*10% off Universal Standard with code INFS-AMBJAANA
Another 6 new items in one month. This is a pretty high count for me, but here it has happened 2 months in a row! Which lead me to my decision not to accept any gifted items for March. As I’ve said, it adds up quickly. I really enjoy showing all the size-inclusive options from Universal Standard, but also can’t be realistic about using and keeping so many clothes. On that note, if there’s anything you’d like to see me try-on for April, let me know and I can try to make that happen.
I’m so sorry about the pinched nerve. I had one in my neck that I left untreated (other than acupuncture, which did nothing). I finally addressed the residual injury years later with osteopathy and wish I’d known to try that much sooner. Not sure that you need another thing to try, but just in case it’s helpful. Sending you so many wishes for healing - and the ability to rest!
Feel better ❤️ (ps. I love the way you write)