Fiddler’s Elbow

Fiddler's Elbow

In yesterday’s post “Patience Charter” I mentioned that I’ve been having trouble with my elbow and that the doctor seemed more concerned with the shoulder trouble...

 

I decided to take matters into my own hands.

 

I read on the internet that an elbow support can help to alleviate the problem.

 

The supermarket didn’t have any so I went to the local chemist.

 

I like the chemist; they give good trustworthy advice and generally have what you need there and then.

 

Barbara, who used to work at the greengrocers was there and asked if she could help me.

 

Me: “Oh hello Barbara, I’m looking for an elbow support. Do you have any?”

Barbara: “Yes we do they’re over here.”

Me: “Great, thank you.”

Barbara: “Is it for yourself?”

Me: “Er.. no. It’s for a…. friend.” (For some reason, this is the etiquette in chemists.)

Barbara: “I see.”

Me: “How do you know whether you’ve got a medium elbow?”

Barbara: “Let’s see, it’s got measurements on the box… Medium is 24 to 29 centimetres.”

Me: “Oh. I’m not really sure what that would look like in terms of elbow size.”

Barbara: “I’ll get the tape measure.”

 

She showed me 24cm on the tape measure, and then 29cm.

 

Me: “I still can’t really visualise it as an elbow.”

 

She looped the tape measure and showed me the loop.

 

Me: “Er, no. I’m still not sure.”

Barbara: “Do you think your friend has the same sized elbow as you?”

Me: “Yes. Yes she has. Pretty much the same I would say.”

Barbara: “Let’s measure your elbow then shall we?”

Me: “OK” 

I offered my arm for Barbara to measure.

 

Barbara: “It’s not going to be very accurate because of your coat.”

Me: “Oh, I’m sure it will be roughly right.”

Barbara: “It is a rather thick coat.”

Me: “It’s about the same as my friend’s coat.”

Barbara: “You should really wear the support under the coat.”

Me: “Yes, I will... I will.. tell her to.”

Barbara: “OK, well that’s 35 centimetres with the coat.”

Me: “Well, I think medium will be fine then, thank you.”

I made my purchase and am now wearing the medium elbow support.

My elbow feels much more supported - my hand is a little swollen, cold and red - but I think that’s normal.

“A physician who treats himself has a fool for a patient.” ~William Osler~