BREE’S STORY

BREE’S STORY

July 2019, at the age of 27, was when I first experienced coldness in my right hand and wrist. I walked around the office asking my colleagues if there was a noticeable difference between my left and right hand, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. They all agreed that there was a big temperature difference, and this was when I started to worry. Immediately, I made an appointment with the closest GP.

First, I was given time off work to see whether the “injury” would settle down on its own but unfortunately it didn’t. I started to experience pain and a lot of stiffness in my hand which made it hard for me to complete simple tasks at home such as washing up, laundry and laundry as it all seemed such an effort and was accompanied by a lot of pain. I returned to work a few days later but the pain, stiffness, and coldness only increased. This led to me having a lot more time off work. After this time off, I had been put back on a gradual return to work process of 3-hour shifts, 3 days a week.

During this time, my GP had sent me to have an ultrasound on my right wrist, arm, and neck to check for a blood clot which may have been causing the coldness to my hands and wrists. No such luck! Following this, I had a bone scan done to check for abnormalities and again, there were no issues found. Between appointments trying to figure out what the issue was and planning both my wedding and honeymoon, I was working my reduced hours and a smaller workload.  My GP was becoming increasingly concerned why my symptoms were not adding up to a definitive injury or illness. Then, “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome” became a possibility, but I didn’t tick all the symptom boxes.

I was getting very frustrated as I wanted to know the exact cause of my pain and restricted movement, so I began a better treatment plan to get back to work. I loved my job and felt that I was letting everyone down, but at the same time I felt I was being judged for my sudden injury and lack of clarification on how I got injured in the first place. I had no answers for anyone!

At this time, I had one thing to look forward to: my wedding and honeymoon. This came with its own challenges as I questioned how I was meant to travel. I wouldn’t be able to carry my bags or enjoy my honeymoon to the fullest but as soon as we landed the pain seemed to disappear. No stress, no worries, no pain! I couldn’t believe it and made the most of it whilst it lasted.

After my honeymoon, I returned to work still with limited hours and shifts. After a few days back on the computer and surrounded by the bustling office, my pain and stiffness started to return. It became normal for me to pause, stretch, get up and walk around while taking phone calls. In my job as an event manager, I managed a few different areas that required me to be on the computer frequently. I trained my left hand to use the mouse, which in the beginning was very slow and frustrating, but it was the only way I thought I could complete my workload.

At this time, it was nearing the end of the year and I had been sent to an orthopaedic surgeon for the workers compensation claim so that I could receive their expert opinion. The phrases “There is nothing wrong” and “I can’t see any structural issues” were thrown around and I was told to just continue with my physiotherapy.

After leaving my job, I relentlessly searched for a job that would be appropriate for my injury. Three days after starting a new job, I had a huge flare up. I was now unable to work. My symptoms were worse than the first time, and I had so much more pain. Occasionally, my partner had to help me dress, cut my food, and wash and brush my hair. The most I felt that I could do was make a cup of tea and sit on the couch or in bed with a heat pack on my hand. I was now on heavy pain relief medication that helped but didn’t seem to last. I started to feel hopeless and was at my wits end.

After seeing a few more professionals, I was referred to the ACT Pain Centre where I was finally given a better understanding of my injury and pain. I was diagnosed with RSI.

Over my journey I have found a few things that have helped me:

• Walking – getting out of the house, even if its just for an hour
• Stretching – working through nerve glides and other structures to relieve some tension and pain
• Yoga – I have completed two rounds of a beginner’s course at Canberra Yoga Space in Phillip, and I would highly recommend it. I have noticed an increase in my strength and my pain levels have reduced.
• Mindfulness – for me, I like doing puzzles and light gardening with my succulents.
• Heat – the use of a heat pack on my hand or even a glove with hand warmers in it have given me some relief.

Workers compensation:

The thing about workers compensation is that you get assigned a case worker and a representative from the insurance company that attends all your appointments. During these appointments, they will try to convince the GP, physiotherapist, or surgeon that you are doing much better so that they can get you back to work quicker.

On a few occasions I fell into this trap, as you feel pressured to go back to work. This isn’t doing you any favours and is instead only benefitting them. The shorter the time you are on workers compensation, the less money they need to fork out.

My advice is to get in touch with someone who knows what your entitlements are during the workers compensation process. For me, this was a solicitor.

Treatments prior to having my kids:

Physiotherapy - I see a physiotherapist at the ACT Pain Centre. They specialize in treating people that have chronic pain conditions. They teach you about the different types of pain and the effects it has on your nervous system and give you tools to manage your symptoms.

Massage therapy – My muscles are so tense, so I find that going every two weeks or so helps to loosen my muscles.

Acupuncture – Even thought I have only been to a few sessions; I feel that I have received some relief in my neck and shoulders.

Psychologist – Having someone to talk to about my struggles associated with chronic pain.

Fast forward to now, I’m 32 and have 2 young children……

I’ve definitely had to build more endurance and strength with raising two children and learn to take breaks. 

Setting realistic expectations on what I can achieve in a day has been a big mindset change ie 

- cleaning the whole bathroom in a day 
- doing more than two loads of washing
- walking the dog 
- doing too much work on the computer

All while taking care of both the kids. 

Luckily enough I do get a little down time on a Thursday, as the kids are at daycare 

This allows me do some self care like massage, acupuncture or physiotherapy to keep my body moving.