Punctured
(Interior of the Mitchell Library: Glasgow, Scotland)
After I returned a library book to what may arguably be my ‘local’ library, I passed one of the exhibitions in the large central hall and peered in. It was a retrospective of the Mitchell Library from its inception, movement through several locations and then installation of the books and manuscripts to here, its celebrated purpose built structure. I often take Glasgow for granted – this is my local library but it is also the largest reference library in the whole of Europe and I live a mere fifteen minute walk from its doors. There was only one other visitor in the smart exhibition so I took a little of my usual camera related liberty and snapped him to give you some idea of the scale and beauty of the library.
Yesterday I had an exciting experience – I had the very first acupuncture session of my life. The most enthusing part was that I had no idea it was going to happen until two minutes before it did. I am having my hand looked at as there is some discomfort caused by twisting the lids off jars, pouring tea, writing, and a host of other simple tasks most people hardly consider. I have been considering them for some time and due to the tenderness and stiffness I have stopped playing badminton and I have ceased cycling for the time being. Both affect the area, but my bicycle in particular causes discomfort as that is where this minor injury was caused – and therefore the handlebar rests on the damaged section of palm. So, to the physiotherapist.
I learned a few things yesterday; I will get entirely better with time and this will not be a lasting injury (cue sigh of relief), sitting on a space hopper every day to work may not be the best idea (despite me reading some affirming text somewhere), I can aid recovery with some simple exercises and finally, my handling of acupuncture needs work. I regret to say that despite my excitement and enthusiasm at being offered the acupuncture, it could not alter the fact that my body appears to respond badly to it. I looked away (as a precaution) as he tapped the whisker thin needles through the skin and into my flesh. I cheerfully prattled on to him as he worked, but the second needle was the clincher. He had explained beforehand that this one would go into the cartilage at the base of my thumb. Although the first needle was tapped in with no effect, this one I felt. I knew immediately that I was going to embarrass myself. I told him at this point (with an almost undetectable sigh of inevitability) that I would have to now put my head between my knees. This is my standard procedure when I begin to feel the world turning a little grey and my head feels like it might float away like a helium balloon. I still had my hand on the table at this point, with the needles poking out of it like a pincushion. He was very kind and removed the needles swiftly and at my request for a glass of water, raced about and finding none, provided me with the perfect alternative of a sugary, isotonic sports drink.
I was dreadfully embarrassed by this time. I lay down on the nearby massage bed, clutching my orange lucozade, along with my barely concealed shame. Despite his assertions that this happens to hard men as well as to me, I felt exceptionally silly. I was also annoyed with my body. Acupuncture is super exciting, needles go into you and instead of making you bleed and feel terrible, they assist in making you better – what could be more thrilling as a recovery aid? Aside from leeches, that is.
Before visiting China for the first time I felt like I had enough puncture wounds in me to last a lifetime. I had to have no less than eleven separate injections (up to four in one sitting as I recall – two in each arm). Now, I have absolutely no far of needles. Of course, I don’t like them, but I am certainly not afraid. However, when I become aware, or rather, when my body becomes aware of the vaccine entering my body, I feel my heart rate speed up instantly. I cannot explain it better than that. Even if I (my brain) am not aware of the needle, my body detects it and shuts down. It is altogether very discouraging and quite an inconvenience. In the end, I took the remainder of my China injections lying down, as it were.
Back to physio. As I lay there, I asked what would happen next. He explained that he planned to have me back for weekly acupuncture sessions, but in light of my behavior (“curses, curses”) I would see him in a month from now to talk about how my exercises are going. I was disappointed with this outcome. My plan is to eat heavily prior to the next session and to ensure I have consumed a decent amount of sugar – perhaps I will have a bottle of juice on hand. We’ll see. I have the same issue giving blood – I just want to help, but in the end, I am being tended by nurses, looking rather like I am the one needing a blood transfusion.
– Today Rosie is baking a cake, having dinner with friends and preparing for attending the King’s Panto tomorrow in Glasgow, Scotland –
Don’t eat too much! you don’t want to let out a wee bottom burp during the procedure – especially since your head will be between you legs…