I never realized typing and texting could be hazardous to my health!  For years, I have typed head and shoulders hunched forward in front of a computer.  Then, when texting replaced talking, my posture further deteriorated becoming reminiscent of our more primitive ancestors.  Of course, posture was rarely on my mind because I never had any serious issues that caused me concern.

Recently, I began feeling pain in my left shoulder blade that radiated to my left side and left armpit.  I chalked it up to soreness from working out.  At work, I noticed typing exacerbated my symptoms and the pain worsened.  That’s when I became concerned.  Something was not right and I knew I had to see a doctor.

At the appointment, I had to have my blood drawn.  I kept asking, “Is this going to hurt?”  The kind phlebotomist assured me it would not hurt and that I would only feel a momentary pinch.  I didn’t even want to feel the pinch.  I advised her that my veins are small and perhaps I should drink more water.  She told me I didn’t need to drink anymore water and reassured me that the needle she was using was the smallest available.  She called it a butterfly needle.  I told her the butterfly needle looked too big for my tiny veins. 

When the moment came, I started getting antsy.  She told me to look away and I did, but I jumped immediately and screamed, “OUCH!”  She responded very nicely, “I haven’t touched you yet.”  How embarrassing!  I looked away again and then I felt the pinch.  It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would, but I was a little miffed that sacrificing three vials of blood only got me a drab brown band aid.  I was hoping for something cuter and more colorful. 

After that not so harrowing experience, I was diagnosed with possible muscle strain.  I was advised not to engage in intense workouts until after my follow up appointment in May.  I’m working with Facilities at work to make my office more ergonomically correct.  I have to consciously tell myself to sit up straight, shoulders back, and head up!  I am also limiting my typing and texting.  All this has helped because I feel a lot better today. 

One of the hardest part in this healing process is taking it easy on my workouts.  I am confined to walking on a treadmill.  Boring!  Fortunately, I’ve discovered Leslie Sansone’s “Walk at Home” DVD series.  It’s not as intense as P90X, but it beats being sedentary and is a great alternative and/or supplement to walking on the treadmill.  Although, I can’t help but feel like one of those hip senior citizens engaged in mallercise.  Perhaps I should invest in a pair of leg warmers!  😉                    

Have a wonderful week.  🙂

Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the White House Black Market Lourdes pumps.  I will give my review of these pumps on Wednesday.  For now enjoy the pictures!  🙂