PLEASE...

For months now, I have been dealing with gradually worsening arthritis pain. My doctor has tried everything and short of replacements (knees, hips) we are just at a point where it's hard to know what to do next.

Then it occurred to her that we could try some physical therapy---you know, kind of teach the old dog some new tricks. My specialist agreed, so the next thing I knew I'm scheduled for an hour three times a week.

Tuesday morning, bright and early, I hobbled into the rehab center at 7:30. The relentless pain makes sleeping nearly impossible, so I was achy AND tired. (I wake up several times during the night, trying to get better situated. God bless my dear husband who has not retreated to the couch yet!)

Now let me tell you this; the atmosphere in this place is very calming. The therapists and their assistants are very kind and understanding. Altogether, it's a charming place. The last thing you would want to do would be to disturb this blessed serenity.

We breezed through the paperwork and registration; the doctor's office had just about everything in place. This was going to be a snap. Maybe I could actually relax a little now. That's the ticket, just r-e-l-a-x.

PLEASE...

My PT takes all the necessary measurements regarding range of mobility, etc.

PLEASE...don't

Next, he explains the stretches we're going to do to teach the muscles how to relax and stop being so tense around the inflamed joints.

PLEASE...don't...let

He even gives me a little diagram (I'm good with pictures) so I can remember, later at home, how to do the stretches. Then one by one, we begin the actual physical demonstration. Wait a minute! You want me to put my right knee WHERE? What do you mean, "Tell me when the pressure is too much..."

PLEASE...don't...let...me...

ARE YOU SERIOUS?! There is no way that part of my leg can touch THAT part of my body! Stretch, pull, stretch, rest---do it again---HOW MANY TIMES?! Oh yes, I do believe this is going to help. Yes, I feel the pressure---just a gentle---pull. Am I ready to do it again?

PLEASE...don't...let...me...TOOT!