Tennis anyone?

Or in my case, tennis ELBOW, anyone?

Several months ago, I started getting some pain in my right elbow (I'm right handed).

Just when I was carrying someone, bringing groceries into the house (in one trip, of course). But nothing bad.

I was also doing some light weight work (no cardio) and the pain just kept getting worse.

I finally decided to deal with it when the simple act of brushing my teeth became too much to bear.

My PCP: So, you'll need to immobilize your arm and go to physical therapy. Keep your elbow tucked in really close to your body and try not to use your arm.

Me: Um...I'm right-handed, have two active kids, two crazy dogs, 35 chickens and run a mini-farm, all while working full time out of the home.

PCP: well, ok, so when can you fit in PT?

Me: I can't.

PCP: let me send you to an ortho specialist and see what they recommend.

Me: Perfect.

Ortho: So, you'll need to immobilize your arm and go to physical therapy. Keep your elbow tucked in really close to your body and try not to use your arm.

Me: Um...I'm right-handed, have two active kids, two crazy dogs, 35 chickens and run a mini-farm, all while working full time out of the home.

Ortho: We could do a cortisone shot, which will mask the pain for about 3 months. You'll need to still be careful with your arm, but at least you'll be able to use it.

Me: where do I sign.

So I get the shot and am told that the night after the shot would be very painful.

He was not lying.

During dinner, I could barely eat, my arm was HOT and THROBBING.

Terrible.

The next day was much better, but still very, very sore.

The following day after that, all the pain was gone. 

And now here we are, 3.5 months later. With the same (worse?) pain.

I was up every hour last night.

If I slept with my arm straight, after an hour it'd hurt and I'd have to reposition. After an hour with it bent, pain, get up and reposition.

It is terrible.

I have another cortisone injection scheduled for next week. It just cannot come soon enough.