Those of us who indulge in the craft of writing tread a rigorous and tremulous path. Yet, we are driven to this labor by a compulsive need to share our thoughts with others. Such a compulsion brought me physical pain and the subsequent corrective surgery. Please don't follow my lead, even if you are a professional.
Writers often work long hours, days, and nights typing or handwriting stories and articles. Most hardly acknowledge the self-induced torture. Writers can bring detriment to themselves from engaging in intense periods of repetitive motion.
Writing by hand or peering into a computer screen for long periods without relief from the strain can create a stiff neck, aching back, and overtired eyes. While our passion to express our thoughts drives us on, it also can make us neglect to eat, exercise, or refresh ourselves.
When I began writing seriously, I ignored osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neck problems from whiplash injuries. I just wanted to write. I believed I would be able to control my writing sessions in order to minimize any further trauma. Boy was I wrong. I was not prepared for the passion I would feel and my relentless, obsessive behavior to release the thoughts. Only a writer can understand this addiction -- this overwhelming need to share our thoughts.
One day, after a long writing session at the computer, the fingers on my left hand felt numb. I rested my hands for a few minutes, then proceeded to my assignment. Soon not only the numbness returned but also pain streaked up and down my left arm, and I had a searing headache. Stopping in the middle of a task is not my forte, but this excessive pain conquered me so completely that, even I, quit for the day. I took some aspirin, put a cold compress on my neck, and flopped into my Lazyboy chair. As I relaxed and the pain receded, I almost fell asleep. Within 30 minutes I felt renewed. My recovery was false, though, and being a word addict, I did not walk away from writing.
As the days passed, just sitting down to write made me tense up, causing more pain, and the pain hit sooner with each writing session. I had purchased a roller ball mouse and loved its versatility. Soon, though, it became my enemy. My right thumb became inflamed and throbbed. I began wearing the ice pack more and resting. This vicious cycle kept me trying every imaginable so-called cure. I even wore hand supports whenever I shopped or stressed my hands for almost any activity. I constantly rubbed my hands to ease the soreness. Finally, after suffering for months, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. Within two months, I was feeling much better. Still addicted, I returned to writing and taking my chances with re-injury.
Judy Skapik is a freelance writer who lives in Claremont, CA, with her husband and pet dog, Zinna. She has been published in both small and large press.
First appeared in WritingNow.com - Blueberry Press Quick Notes
Newsletter, March 17, 2003.
Copyright © 2003-Present, Judy Skapik.
Copyright © 2003-Present, WritingNow.com.
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