The Physical Pain is Gonna Kill Me(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by cringeqween13
These last 2 weeks have been the longest weeks since I started 3.5 months ago. The amount of hours I worked isn't the problem (I worked a combined 63 hours), the problem is the physical pain it's causing me. Since I've only worked mornings until last week I've had very little bar time and always get stuck on DT or CS for entire shifts. A couple weeks ago my left arm was hurting and I realized it was from having to stretch out the window to collect payments and pass out items (I'm only 5'2). After one shift last week I wasn't hurting that much, just the regular sore feet, but when I got home and starting getting out of the car my entire body ached. This has happened before, but it hasn't been this bad in a while. I got to my room changed into my pj's and got into bed. I tried to get comfy but every time I moved it was like needles all the way up my left leg to my back. It got to the point where I needed to go to the bathroom but any amount of movement sent waves of pain through me and I just laid there crying thinking I'm not gonna be able to get up and I'm gonna end up wetting myself. Finally made it out of bed to go to the bathroom but it ached with every step. The next day about an hour into my shift the left side of my body started hurting again. I don't know why it's happening or what to do to prevent it from happening again. I already know I need better shoes but it's hard go find the right size and width shoes without having to order then online and hope for the best. I work 5-1 tomorrow and I'm dreading the thought of all the different forms of pain I'll end the day with. Will it be sore feet, bruises, burns, chaffing, body aches, or all of the above?
OneRoseDark4 points2y ago
1) TELL YOUR SHIFT that you're in pain on your left side and can't do DT today. If they have any ounce of compassion or leadership in their body they should let you be anything else.
2) Seems like maybe some stretching before work / during breaks / after shifts might be helpful for you?
3) Might be time to see a doctor about it, to be honest. Do you have good health insurance and/or a primary doctor you could hit up about the pain? They might have some suggestions for you.
cringeqween13 [OP]2 points2y ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I have health insurance with blue cross blue shield through my dad and tricare through my step-dad so between that I should be able to find something
EternalYorkieMom2 points2y ago
Especially if Advil stops working as if did for me a doctor can help you out
cringeqween13 [OP]2 points2y ago
Ive been prescribed 800mg ibuprofen for my period cramps but I haven't been able to get it refilled so I just have to keep a bottle in my purse
EternalYorkieMom2 points2y ago
I have to take an arthritis medication for the short term because my feet are so inflamed and do not stop being inflamed.
oakathletics2 points2y ago
sounds like your sciatic nerve could be hurting you https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G5h0jkoBFbI this yoga routine helps me soooo much it’s unreal
i hope you feel better soon
natalielh012 points2y ago
I have chronic neck/back/shoulder pain from this job and I’ve found that a heating pad works to relieve some of the pain. Hope you feel better soon, friend!
SpAcEcAt_942 points2y ago
I've been in pain also 😞 I just started about a month ago. Tried out compression socks yesterday on an 8 hour shift and they helped immensely with how much I'm hurting. Recommend going to Walmart - they're about $10 there where I'm at (Indiana) but so worth the cost. I'm going to go back today and get another pair or 2. Maybe they'll help you?
Now waiting on a new pair of shoes from Amazon (if they don't fit/work then I'm sending them back and taking advantage of the sketchers perk that we have). I also have wide feet so I feel you on the shoes.
Regardless, I'd recommend talking to your manager or a ssv about your pain levels. Having that much pain is definitely not normal and they need to be aware that a barista is suffering. They can always change deployment to help you out but they can't do that if they don't know that there is a problem.
Good luck fellow partner!
cringeqween13 [OP]1 points2y ago
I'll definitely check out the compression socks
SpAcEcAt_942 points2y ago
They're in the pharmacy section at Walmart in foot care, not in the regular clothing area.
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