Readers elbow?

[pscot]

Until recently, reading has always seemed like a pretty low-risk activity. Then I went mano a`mano with Neal Stephensons Baroque Cycle, a massive, three-part novel that weighs in at about 3 pounds per nine-hundred page volume. After forty-some hours of one-arm curls with these monsters I developed a twinge in my left bicep, which turned into a full-blown case of tendinitis. For a week I applied hot-packs, cold-packs, various ill-smelling salves and unguents punctuated by large doses of anti-inflammatories. The pain has subsided, but rehabilitation promises to be a slow process. Instead of plunging right in, I now warm up gradually, with the comic section of the paper, followed by a few minutes with Harpers or Wooden Boat magazine. As I begin to loosen up I may spend a half-hour reading light verse, or P.G.Wodehouse in paperpack. I'm almost strong enough to attempt the popular history of Regency England that I picked up at the library last week. By rebuilding my strength gradually, I hope to be ready for my annual run at Ulysses, finishing around Bloomsday. I wonder if reading in a jetted hot-tub would help.

[PDJane]

1. I shall have to remember this post

For my next attempt at the fracture/physio clinic.

I threatened to bring War and Peace as reading material...I was told I'd probably be able to finish it during the wait! (They are revamping the service provided and there are a few glitches).

[pitohui]

2. the hazards of jetted hot tubs

i used to do this when i was younger but, alas, i am not 30 any more and it causes dry skin so i have to strictly limit my hot tub time

those timers they have on hot tubs? they are actually supposed to be taken seriously

if you like it HOT, as i do, 20 minutes should be your max -- not long enough for a real deep read

i've also experienced the issues you mention with lifting and holding books, and i try to be sure to shift position, when i read at home, i read laying down so it isn't an issue, again, but more and more the weight of a book is becoming a nuisance if i'm not feeling well :-(

get well soon

a wise woman told me that the NEXT time she has open heart surgery, she will bring a paperback, she was shocked at how heavy her library book was in the aftermath of her surgery

the things we don't think about when we're younger, certainly the weight of a book is high on that list

[fadedrose]

3. I read mainly detective fiction - 300 to 400 pp is all I could handle

Any more than that and I become impatient with the author for putting in so much description or familial information that has no consequence. I hate heavy books.............and so does my shoulder.

Get well soon.

(Oh, doesn't sound like you read the same kind of stuff that I do, but there's nothing for pain like really getting engrossed in a page-turner)

[pscot]

4. I will read anything

from the label on a can of peas to a Russian novel, from a history of the Maya to a Batman comic. My arm is healing slowly, but I still can't hold a book in my hand for more than a few minutes. I'm afraid old age is creeping up on me. I could complain, but then I consider the alternative. By the way, I agree with your prescription 100%.

[PDJane]

5. I'm sorry that I sounded so flippant..........

Yes, it is a serious problem. I don't hold books anymore! I put them on an artist's easel and turn the pages...I have fibromyalgia, and there are days that lifting me out of bed is beyond my pain tolerance level! Not often, gratefully, but sometimes...

[fadedrose]

7. I have it too

After all these years of suffering, finally had it diagnosed a little over a year ago. It's a bugger.... reading helps. Keeps my mind off of it.

[PDJane]

8. While you're reading,

Read 'Full Catastrophe Living' by Jon Kabat-Zin. It works, and it helps. Truly.

[abluelady]

6. Loved Reading Your Post

I do not exercise. I am a couch potato who believes in being a couch potato. I just had a conversation with a friend how everyone I know who exercises ends up hurting--pulled muscles, cramping, etc. I don't have to worry about it. I just turn pages! Now I have to go back and confess that my life style is dangerous, too.:D

[japple]

9. My solution was to put a big fat pillow on my lap and

prop the book on that. It works well for when you read while sitting. I mostly read when I get into bed at night and the pillow works well for when I'm sitting up, but when I lie down and prop myself up on one elbow, it can cause some pretty intense pain after awhile. Maybe a better lighting is in order.

[LWolf]

11. You need a peeramid reading pillow.

My son got one for my mom for xmas; I'm STILL jealous.

[Kokonoe]

10. I saw a hollow hard foam laptop computer holder

at Kohl's department store. Might be something worth a try.

[raccoon]

12. Having suffered from repetitive strain injury, I've had the same problem with books at times,

which is why I got interested in audiobooks back in the '90's. They've become much more popular since then.