It Hurts Here…And There…And There…
First of all, happy Martin Luther King day. It’s nice to have a moment to remember such a great American and such a personally wonderful man. Here’s to him and to his message. 
Now…
You know, believe it or not, despite the fact that we’re not out there slinging jackhammers or delivering pizzas or lifting boxes or evading touchy-grabby coworkers or dashing up stairs or ringing up cash registers or any number of work related things, we writers really get hurt a lot. 
You wouldn’t think so. I mean, most full-time writers I know do their job in their pajamas or sweats, surfing the internet for half the time they’re supposed to be working, legs kicked out on the recliner with Diet Coke and Hershey’s Kisses within easy reach. (Oh, wait, that’s just me…but I don’t think I’m that unique!)
Still, a bunch of writers I know are dealing with some serious health issues. Which is why you’re stuck with me today, rather than with Carly. You see, her doctor has given her strict orders to PUT THE MOUSE DOWN AND STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER! (In James-Earl-Jones-Darth-Vader-aka-God voice!) Her neck’s bad, her shoulder’s bad, her arm’s bad. I think there’s a back issue in there, too.
You all probably know I had major back surgery a couple of years ago. And that I went through rehab this fall for tendonitis in the rotator cuff. Now, as I race to finish this last Blaze before I kick in to the Black CATs books full time, the back of my neck feels like somebody shoved a steel rod through my muscles. I can barely turn my head by the end of the day. God bless Bruce and his magical hands.
Last year, Janelle was dealing with major neck problems. Julie has had a litany of physical ailments. This year, the Advil was floating freely between our suites as all four of us griped and groaned and sought to find comfortable positions for our plotting sessions. There’s a big discussion going on right now on one of my author’s loops (hi Temptresses! 
) about a whole bunch of authors dealing with this stuff.
I don’t have any pearls of wisdom to impart on how to avoid this (obviously) but I brought it up both as an explanation for why Carly’s not here, and to point out the potential hazard to other writers who hang out around here. Your back is your friend. Take care of it. Ditto your neck and your shoulder and all the other parts of your anatomy that stiffen up and revolt against being in the same position for eight hours a day while you slog through your latest WIP.
And now, I think I’ll go for a walk…if I can make it to the end of the driveway.
Anybody else have any suggestions, or war wound stories? 
PS: Get well soon Carly!! 
Hope Carly feels better soon.
Time to find a different position to write in?? I know sitting a the desk all day really hurts my back by the time I get up. I have been very lax doing the exercises they gave me in rehab. I will use the holiday season as my excuse.
I have arthritis in my spine and right hip, and I know I should get up and move around when I am home. It’s really sad that the 3 days a week at the store leave me hurting less than the 4 at home. :wallbash:
Comment by ev — January 21, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Hope Carly feels better soon.
I work at a computer all day. I’m a bookkeeper. I try and get up several times during the day and just get the kinks out. I can always tell when I don’t, because my neck and back both hurt at the end of the day. I also make a point to go the the gym after work each day(or at least 4 of the 5 days). Seems that walking on the treadmill after work relaxes me. Maybe it’s that I’m watching a funny movie or show while I’m walking.
Comment by Liza — January 21, 2008 @ 9:49 am
I’m so sorry for all of you and I hope you’ll feel better soon, Carly. Unfortunately, there aren’t any great tips I can think of but I really think sport can do a lot of good. Luckily, I love doing sports so I don’t have problems like writers do from sitting all day long. So I think the best thing to do is to move around from time to time and do a little exercise even if some of you hate it. But my piece of advice to overcome the laziness ( I couldn’t think of another word )where sport is concerned would be to listen to your favorite songs (for example ) while working out. I can tell you. It helps a lot. I know it’s easier said than done but if sports belong to your daily routine you’ll get used to it and maybe even enjoy it. So get up from those stairs and stretch. Because I need you to be healthy and able to write more books. (That’s the only selfish reason why I was providing this advice. Nah, just kidding )
Have a great Monday everybody
See you
Vero
PS: Love the new covers on the right. All of them. Can’t wait for the releases.
Comment by Vero — January 21, 2008 @ 9:50 am
I can relate to your pain. I have arthritis in my knees, hips and lower back. I have found one thing that has helped me when sitting at the computer and that is a great chair. I found it at a store called Relax the Back. Their chairs are wonderful - pricey but well worth the price. They keep you sitting at the right angles and have memory foam seats and arms. They also have other things that can help the less than perfect body.
The other thing that has helped me was finding a good massage therapist. If it wasn’t for Jenny, I would be hard pressed to move at all. I found her through a school in the area. The school offers student massages for about half price. This is a great alternative if money is an issue.
Hope everyone feels better soon.
Comment by Linda — January 21, 2008 @ 10:00 am
The left side of my neck has been giving me fits lately! Ibuprofen and icy hot seem to help.
Comment by Karen Kelley — January 21, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Get Well Carly!!!
Hi Leslie! I had back surgery six months ago and feel so much better now. That of course was until yesterday when I tried to pick something up that had fallen in front of me and discovered that I still can’t bend completely over yet. This is very discouraging. I have been lazy the last few weeks and haven’t been doing my exercises like I am suppose to. I will get back to them soon, I promise. The best exercise I have found and the most back friendly is the balance ball. I feel so limber and relaxed after using it. If only I would do it more. LOL
Comment by Patty L. — January 21, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Get well soon, Carly!!!
Since I started writing seriously my neck has been killing me. Not necessarily a new thing, but definitely a more consistent thing. I’m taking an online class called Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors and one of the things that’s stressed is the importance of stretching and breaks.
Here’s a website we were given specifically for this. http://ehs.virginia.edu/ergo/stretch.html
My doctor also gave me some “free stretching software” website (if I find them I’ll pass them on) and told me to stop every 30 minutes and stretch. I’m sorry for all the pain everyone else is going through but I’m glad to know it isn’t just my issues getting worse.
Take care everyone…especially everyone in the ridiculously cold part of the world!!
Comment by Jodie — January 21, 2008 @ 11:07 am
I don’t really have any advice (get better all of you!). Maybe try some chair stretching? They have this show on PBS about exercises you can do while sitting. I don’t know if it would help.
I LOVE the new covers (made my Monday). Leslie, Just finished WILD WEDDING NIGHT. All I can say to those who have not read it, RUN TO THE BOOKSTORE! You won’t be disappointed. Holy Cow, could NOT put it down.
Comment by katie — January 21, 2008 @ 11:27 am
Get well Carly! Les, I share your pain. I have been having terrible neck and shoulder pain, and it’s getting worse with every book I write. I’ve tried different positions, different chairs (I usually work sitting up in bed with my laptop) and nothing seems to help. Drugs help, but then I can’t think and write some freaky stuff. I’m also battling terrible carpal tunnel right now. Such is a writer’s life . . .
Comment by Kimberly Raye — January 21, 2008 @ 11:35 am
P.S. I don’t know if I mentioned it to you guys, but the plant you sent me for my father’s funeral is still alive and well (over two years and I am SO not a green thumb). I consider it my lucky plant (only sheer luck has kept it alive so long in my hands). I only bring this up because we had a terrible freeze and I thought for sure I had lost it. But no. It bounced right back. It’s crazy, but I almost feel as if my dad has something to do with it and while it’s alive and breathing, he’s looking out for me somewhere. Ridiculous, I know. But I just thought you guys might like to know how much this one little plant has meant to me. Thank you so much!
Comment by Kimberly Raye — January 21, 2008 @ 11:37 am
Oh, Kim! I’m so glad…but I don’t think it’s ridiculous. My MIL gave me a plant when my daughter was born that I have planted now in several places in the yard because it has multiplied! I’m certain it’s not the sort of plant that was supposed to make it, but it has and even my daughter is very protective of it.
As for sitting up in bed and writing…this is what did Carly in. Be careful! I’m going this week to buy a new chair. I work very often in my dining room when I’m revising and on my computer when I’m writing and I need a better chair for both. Something with wheels, LOL! I can’t see me shelling out the $$ for an Aeron chair, but I just might. It’s probably a good investment.
Comment by Julie Leto — January 21, 2008 @ 11:43 am
Oh, Carly, so sorry to hear about your neck, shoulder, back… Take care and hope you’re back swinging through the jungle soon.
Back in the fall, I woke up on a Monday morning with a crick in my neck. On Friday morning the crick had turned into a spasm. I couldn’t move my head at all. Trying to lie down, sit up, sit down caused excruciating pain. I went to my doctor who is also an osteopath and she gave me muscle relaxers to take for 4 to 5 days. Then I went back in and she adjusted my neck which helped a great deal because I was totally out of alignment. However, my neck was still a little stiff. So a week or so laterI went back in for another adjustment and voila, I was finally back to normal.
As a result of that episode, I started stretching in the evening before bed which include some yoga stretches. Now after two and half months of stretching every evening I feel like a new woman. I highly recommend it. I used to get tension knots in my back and shoulders but I don’t anymore. I also used to have problems with my neck, not just the spasm but stiffness and I don’t anymore. I also had problems sleeping and even those have disappeared. Last week I picked up some yoga DVD’s for beginners and have incorporated that into my stretching and morning treadmill workout.
Doing this has also helped my RA even though I receive regular infusions of a fabulous drug called Remicade which has put it in remission, these stretches feel so good to these old bones.
Have a wonderful day all,
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 21, 2008 @ 11:57 am
HUGS to all the sick and in pain writers out there. I never thought about how damaging it is to write all day, every day. Yikes. It’s like teachers and their feet. Pilates is supposed to be good for your back. I know it makes me feel better.
Comment by mary beth — January 21, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
I find that varying the height of my feet on the floor while I’m at the computer really helps my lower back. Right now I’m using a phone book. Sometimes I use a foot stool. I’m not very high tech
Comment by wendy roberts — January 21, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
One more thing…I have a Wave ergonomic keyboard, an ergonomic mouse pad and a really great chair. The chair was a bit pricey but oh so worth it.
Cher
Comment by Cher — January 21, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Carly, sorry you are not feeling well. It just goes to show you that there are hazards in every job, and we must try our best to take care of our bodies. I know sometimes I push myself too hard, thinking that nothing will hurt me, but with things like carpal tunnel and other ailments caused by repetitive work, we are constantly stressing our bodies. I hope you find a remedy that works for you.
Comment by Stacy ~ — January 21, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Wendy, that’s a good point…I use this stool that I bought back when my daughter was born. It was supposed to help in breastfeeding or something (ha!) and I was selling it at a garage sale when one of my neighbors asked if it wouldn’t help my back when I was typing. It’s slightly slanted and works very, very well, esp. because I’m short and my feet hardly touch the ground as it is.
By the way, it looks like this and it only costs around $25.
Comment by Julie Leto — January 21, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
I so feel Carly’s pain!
Take it easy and feel better soon! 
For everyone else out there who spends hours at the computer a day, take care of yourself!
Kim — I’m so glad to hear that the plant is still thriving and makes you think of your dad.
I can’t believe it’s been two years already, and I’m sure you still miss him terribly.
Comment by Janelle — January 21, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Hope Carly feels better soon!
I don’t have any advice except taking a break every now and then and stretching, walking to another room, something! you don’t even have to put pajamas on!
Comment by Wendy — January 21, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
Uggh, sorry Carly’s not feeling well.
I know since I do most of my work on the computer and most of my play on the computer not only did I develope carpel tunnel but my eyesight is getting worse…
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 21, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
My chiroprator keeps me moving. I have been going to one since I was 14 years old. I used to have terrible neck pain from stress and carrying so many school books. I can’t survive without my regular adjustments especially since I work at a computer for my day job along with writing in my spare time. Also, my sister has back problems (she’s already had one surgery and needs another). She goes to the chiroprator to manage her back problems and to keep from having to have another sugery.
Oh and don’t forget to throw in a good massage ever now and then.
Comment by Stephanie S. — January 21, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
I guess a lot of you do know exactly what I’m talking about! A very common problem, I think, as more and more people move away from jobs that keep them moving (and stretched) to office ones with repetitive motion and single positions.
Thanks for the tips–keep em comin!
Patty: I remember talking to you about that surgery a while ago. So glad to hear it’s been a success! But yes, you need to keep being careful. Part of my problem was in just letting things go, gaining weight, and adding to the stress on my back. So losing the extra pounds would go a long way toward pain reduction, I know. It’s just so darn hard!
Comment by Leslie — January 21, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Katie–thanks so much! I’m so glad you liked One Wild Wedding Night! I have been very pleasantly surprised by the reaction to this one. I expected at least one hate letter…lolol…but so far, nothing but nice comments.
Comment by Leslie — January 21, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Oh, Kim, I am SO glad to hear that we were in any way able to help you through a tough time. It’s funny the little things that can bring a smile when thinking of losing someone so important.
Comment by Leslie — January 21, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
Oh, Karen, feel better soon. Before retiring, I drafted contracts every day–of course, on the computer. I had on/off bouts of tennis elbow, which, I knew, was related to use of the mouse for hours at a time. I stopped every once in awhile to walk around, but, when I was in the midst of drafting a complicated idea, leaving it made me lose my train of thought. In addition, 10 years before I had had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which left me with weakened strength in my hands (though, at the time, I was more concerned when I couldn’t stand or walk). I know heat is recommended, but, for me & my daughter, who has Fibromyalgia, ice works better. You might try it for 15 mins. or so at a time.
Feel better soon.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — January 21, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Yoga and deep breathing exercises are the answer. People don’t understand the power of breathing and the effect it can have on the body.
Comment by Kelly R. — January 21, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Thanks for the reminder to watch my posture. I’m not very good at that.
To avoid such fatigue, I make sure I move around a lot throughout the day. It helps get the creative juices flowing, too.
Comment by Caryn — January 21, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Best Get Well Wishes to you all!
Comment by Amy — January 21, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Hey, I just noticed Karen Kelley was here! Welcome to the jungle, my RWA signing neighbor.
Comment by Leslie — January 21, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Carly get better soon…
I just came back from the doctor and found out I have bronchitis. Not fun. Got today off from work though. But i will be taking it easy today. Hope everyone is doing much better than I am.
Comment by Elisa V — January 21, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
I hate to hear so many people with so much pain! I work for a chiropractor and there are so many other safer therapies out there besides drugs and injections and not getting the proper exercise routine. Chiropractors look for the root of the problem, not just treating sysptoms. I can’t tell you how many people we have seen who think they have carpel tunnel and it is actually neck realted. At our office we utlize chiropratic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, and massage, we also do facials but that’s off topic. I won’t stand on the soap box for long, however I do want to say: alot of pain can be contributed to precription meds and our diet. Next time you have a chance go on drugs.com and look up your kmedication you would be suprised what sysptoms your med. may be causing.There are so many good doctors out there who practice holistic medicine that will help the carpal tunnel, back, neck, shoulder, hip pain. I hope all of you who are experincing some type of pain will find the right treatment for you and you get better. I read too many of your books and would be really sad if I had nothing to read. jumping off soap box
Comment by Christina — January 21, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
Feel better soon Carly!
Comment by Estella — January 21, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
First of all,
to Carly, Leslie, Julie & Janelle for the pain they have from sitting at the computer. You need to get up & move around. You should also have an ergonomically correct set up, chair, desk, etc. It is so easy to develop bad habits of poor posture, sitting in one place to long. I’m not a writer but have sat at a desk all day & it is detrimental to your health. My suggestions would be stretching, moving at least every hour, yoga & a good massage therapist. Remember to take care of yourself not just your family. 
I hope you all feel better soon.
:cold: Is spring coming? Even just some sun would help!! :pray:
Comment by Donna M — January 21, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
:cold: :cold
onna…it is a wind chill of 2 degrees here in the PNW….very sunny, though….I do not live in Antarctica….Poor Janelle is going to need a million layers when she moves here! I just saw a movie and FROZE waiting in line…
Comment by katie — January 21, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Hugs and get well soon wishes to Carly! Thanks for the reminder to take care of ourselves, Leslie! I’m constantly getting little twingy reminders that I’m getting older–sigh!
Comment by Fedora — January 21, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Hey everybody…
Carly, I hope you feel better soon…I was thinking about you this weekend btw…everytime I drive into NYC, I drive by Purchase and I think…Carly lives here…
Leslie, I hear you about the back, neck and shoulder injuries…right now, I am seeing a chiropractor, for the first time in my life, because my back pain was so intolerable…she told me that I had to take time off work and I told her that is not gonna happen…I can’t play bball anymore…it was my only source of exercise and stress relieve, until she gives me the go ahead…it totally bites…It gets worse as the day goes on because as a teacher, you are either standing or sitting too long, which doesn’t help…it is also difficult to sleep…I hate it alot…when we looked at my xrays, she told me that the reason I am having so much pain is because the vertebrae in both my neck and my lower back is too straight…like a ruler straight…I saw it in the xrays…there is no natural curve, so I have to see her once a week…she wants to see me 3x a week, but it is way too expensive…so that she can work on my lower back and neck…
I hope that everyone is doing well…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — January 21, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
HOPE EVERYONE GETS TO FEELING BETTER SOON!
MICHELLE
Comment by michelle clark — January 22, 2008 @ 12:46 am