ROBYN'S STORY
A pharmacist recovers from injury.
Robyn has had RSI for about four years. Although she had previously been very active and
involved in a lot of sport she now finds enjoyment at a slower pace. She has accepted RSI as a
part of her future but doesn’t let it run her life any more.
It was around June or July 1999 that I began to feel spasms and pain in my back. I ignored the
symptoms at first and blamed other things like rushing and travelling too much. I hadn’t even
thought I could have an overuse injury, as I didn’t know anyone with RSI. I went to an
osteopath at first and it wasn’t until a couple of months later when I saw my GP that I realised I
might have an overuse injury. When I explained the symptoms to my doctor and thought about
work, it made much more sense.
I was standing in front of a computer all day, working as a pharmacist. Standing all day tightens
the muscles and compresses the body and my working conditions were very unergonomic. The
injury began to restrict my right arm and shoulder and became so bad I had to take three
months off work. I was devastated when this happened.
I didn’t understand what was going on. I had always been active and then I couldn’t work or
take part in any sport at all. I couldn’t go to the movies or out to dinner with friends either
because I couldn’t sit or talk through the pain I was experiencing. It was very depressing and I
was knocked sideways. I had a very bad attitude in the beginning too. I was angry and couldn’t
believe how limited I was physically. I lay on the lounge all day and read but I did explore a few
self-help books, which made me re-assess my outlook.
Through these books, I began to see that many people have problems and you have to
remember that it could be worse. A big plus for me with this whole episode has been my
change in attitude towards work and my lifestyle in general. I have learnt to respect and listen
to my body. I take life a lot more slowly and I certainly don’t take my health for granted any
more.
I commenced a gradual return to work after three months off and built up my hours as I began
to feel better. However, I had relapses and the pain was always there, though diminished at
times. I would become exhausted very easily and never felt that I had much in reserve. I
considered changing my job and saw a few career counsellors, but most possibilities still
included computer work or studying to retrain, which I wasn’t interested in doing at my age. I
ended up reducing my hours further until I found a level I could handle more comfortably. I
have accepted now that there is a fine line between what you think you can do and what your
body will permit you to do.
It’s really hard to deal with, though, because it’s not a clear-cut injury. The worst part is not
knowing how long it will take to get better. Everyone is telling you to stay positive but you
become very frustrated. I tried every treatment recommended to me. I had acupuncture and
did Pilates twice a week, saw an osteopath every fortnight and had a massage once a week. I
was worn out from the constant appointments. My life centred around my injury.
I think this constant focus can be both helpful and detrimental. I felt that I was putting in so
much time that my life was being totally ruled by this injury. But I gradually found a routine
that worked best for me and was satisfied that I had tried everything possible to get the best
outcome for myself. If you try everything you can begin to cut back on what doesn’t work and
focus on what does.
My social life suffered with RSI. I lost touch with friends and acquaintances because I withdrew
from people. I didn’t want constant sympathy nor did I want to be seen as a victim. It was easier
to avoid the issue by not having to talk about it or explain why I couldn’t join in activities with
others. It was very distressing for partner as well, to see the change in me and the ultimate
restrictions on his lifestyle. My RSI had repercussions for both of us but he was wonderful and
did everything he could to help me recover. He still does all the heavy housework for me and
will even iron when he has to! I am very lucky in having such a supportive husband and I
couldn’t have managed without him.
The main thing that has helped me get to the stage I am now at, was an eight week intensive
course with FTM run by Stuart Andrews. It involved lots of stretching and strengthening and
has given me much more mobility than I had before. I would recommend the course to anyone,
but I think you have to be prepared to put yourself through a lot of physical discomfort before
you see the benefits. He didn’t exacerbate my RSI in anyway though there was a lot of muscle
soreness.
I think I had to be in the right frame of mind to be ready to trust someone so completely. I was
feeling a bit fitter and knew that I had to do something. He was very positive and drummed this
in. I did everything he told me because I wanted to get better. It was not a course for the fainthearted but I was determined to give it every chance. I am 100% better than I was before the
course.
I do lots of stretches at home and have recommenced yoga which I used to love. The course
also taught me how to use my body correctly when lifting and moving. I now feel able to go to
the gym because I know the proper techniques and should be able to develop some strength in
atrophied arm, back and neck muscles.
Over the past four years my outlook has changed. I don’t let RSI rule my life any more and I
certainly don’t talk about it as much. Since the course I have become much more optimistic and
I don’t let the injury hold me back so much. I am more confident that a flare-up will settle
down and I must accept that these will happen for a long time yet. With any chronic condition
you have to learn to let it go – live with it but try to put it in the background and get on with
other things.
It is especially important to find hobbies and interests that stimulate you and give you time out.
Sport had dominated my life but now just a walk for an hour around the lake gives me a lot of
pleasure and even just half an hour’s painting is rewarding. I can’t swim or surf now but I can
still enjoy the whole experience being at the beach and paddling in the water. I have always
been a reader and now I have more time to catch up with a good book and not feel guilty. I
have had to change my focus to the brain rather than the body.
Naturally, I don’t see my future as active as I had hoped it would be. I’ve become a bit more of
a spectator than a participator, but that’s ok. I’m happy with my ‘slower’ self – it is better than
three years ago when I couldn’t do anything. I am happy to bowl along as I am and not upset
the apple cart. I would like to be a bit stronger so I can ride a bike but I aim for moderation! I
would also like to do voluntary work that is not too physical. Now that I have accepted the fact
I won’t be able to return to work full-time, I can see there is a lot of other things I can do. It will
be more difficult financially but hopefully I can continue to work longer in a part-time capacity
There are stages you have to live through as with any life changing event. You go through
anger, denial and fighting it, hurting yourself more and depression. Then you start to be
realistic and accept the changes. You start to work your way around it. I have had many
positive experiences in the last few years. Mainly I am thankful for all the lovely and caring
therapists I have encountered. Their kindness and understanding were invaluable to me and it
has opened my mind about different healing approaches.
I come from a very Western medical/scientific outlook with my pharmacy background but I
have now been exposed to a wider range of health approaches which has done me good. My
massage therapist has really held me together and has been totally reliable and caring, I owe
her a lot. My Pilates friend was extremely supportive as was my osteopath. All were prepared
to be there for me anytime – after hours, weekends – whenever I needed them. They were
marvellous.
The best advice I could give to anyone with newly diagnosed RSI is to make sure you have a
good doctor – one who is prepared to understand your condition and help 100%. If not, find
someone else. If the therapy you are trying doesn’t work, try something or someone else. Also
stay optimistic and make the insurance company help you as much as possible. Don’t be bullied
into anything you not sure of, or which makes you anxious. Lastly, don’t take on too much too
soon, learn to pace yourself.
I am at the stage now that I don’t want to think about it so much or talk about it. I don’t see
myself as injured any more nor do I want to see myself as a victim. My family and friends ring
me now and it’s not even mentioned which is great. I take pain-killers when necessary and do
what I can. I accept what I can’t do and life goes on. I know that I won’t put myself into unsafe
circumstances again.