Yesterday was cold and wet. Out at the entrance station, the rain started just about the time I arrived at 6:45 a.m, and kept up until around noon. On my job, I have to stand out in the rain talking to people who are sitting in their cars, selling them their passes, checking ID’s, answering their questions. Yes, I knew that when I took the job, and Yes, I still love my job. But it was still cold and wet and yucky out there yesterday.
We have a wood stove out there for heat. I had a fire going while I was out there, and it did help, and provided warmth when I stood next to it in between cars. But the cold and damp has really played havoc with my old bones. Yes, I did have on a raincoat, and a plastic cover on my hat, but those didn’t help much with my hands.
Back when we had our house in Georgia, I suffered with pain in my hands and forearms in the cold winter months. But, since we have lived in mostly warm locations, I haven’t had a problem with it much since then. Last night? I was awake much of the night, with a throbbing, toothache-like pain in my hands and arms up to about half way to my elbows. I know it was from standing out there in that cold rain yesterday.
When I woke up around 3:00 a.m, I thought I might get up and cut off both arms at the elbows. The only thing that stopped me from actually doing it was the thought that after I cut off the first one, I wouldn’t be able to cut off the other one, and I would still be in pain as I slowly bled to death. Yeah. They hurt that bad.
So then, I started wondering about those extra strength pain relievers I took before I went to bed. Because I now hurt worse than I did before I took them, I started wondering if there was any wheat in them. I got up and read the ingredients label. Starch. It doesn’t say what the source of the starch is, so I googled the manufacturer’s name, and sent them an email asking what kind of starch is used to make their product. I’ll let you know when I get a response. In the meantime, I am not going to take any more of them until I find out for sure.
Megan says
I would have never thought about the paor reliever. I would have chalked it up to my age. Interesting indeed!
Gaelyn says
You need some fingerless gloves. Sure glad you had the stove going to warm up a little. I'd never think of pain pills as having wheat, but there's so much that does. I'll be that's what caused the increased pain. Today is suppose to be warm and sunny, thank goodness. I'm really ready for real summer. Hope you're feeling better today and glad you didn't cut off an arm. Almost your weekend. Hugs.
Lori says
Fingerless gloves that go up to your elbows! Funny, I have never thought of the ingrediants in pain relievers when it comes to dairy/wheat/gluten etc. You just know I am going to check my medicine cabinet now! Thanks for making me think about that!
diane says
Sorry to hear you are in pain. It must be a difficult job when the weather is bad. Keep hotpacks in your pockets and thrust your hands in whenever possible.
teeni says
Wow. I hate to hear that you have been in that kind of pain and I hope it is so much better now. I'm also sorry I missed your birthday but I hope it was happy and that you have a wonderful year full of good health, good fortune, and fun!
Sally in WA says
It's amazing what ends up in our foods and medications. Good for you for asking the manufacturer. My dad's celiac disease taught me to be a label reader that to this day continues.