Giant Sunflower 1, Maestro 0. [View All]

[Maestro]

Last weekend I was pulling up some giant sunflowers in our garden as we are reorganizing our garden for fall. While pulling up one stubborn giant sunflower, I heard a very loud pop in my chest just under my left breast. I immediately felt a sharp and intense pain, but then it subsided to a dull ache. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I kept working through the dull ache in my chest. Long story, short is that 24 hours later I found myself in the emergency room with intense pain and trouble breathing because of it.

After x-rays, EKG, temperature taken as well as pulse and blood pressure, anything major like an infection or heart problems was ruled out and I was diagnosed with acute plueritic chest pain that is the result of a torn or severely strained muscle in between my lungs and chest wall. This hurts like the dickens! Man! The only treatment is rest, painkillers and medication for the swelling which was making the breathing difficult. It has almost been a week now since the incident, I have only experienced a minor improvement. I am still having to take painkillers for the pain, hydrocodone. The anti-inflammatory is okay, but tends to upset my stomach even when I take it with food. I can't even lift my arm to hold my camera. Focusing on objects with my eyes is difficult too. I'm just loopy as all hell!

Okay, enough of my complaining....other than that, it was a nice Labor Day weekend and this week wasn't too bad either.