I’m All Out Of Elbow Grease

(I am taking a ceramics class in college. I have fibromyalgia which causes pain and stiffness in my muscles and joints. I also have a muscle disorder. This is affecting my work and causing me pain so I decide to talk to my professor. My professor is known for shouting “Elbows down! Push!”)

Me: “Hi, Professor. I’m still having trouble with my work. I think it is because I can’t physically put my elbows down and it is hard to push. I have a muscle condition and fibromyalgia.”

Professor: “So, do you want to stop?”

Me: “No, I’ll keep trying.”

Professor: “Okay, you go back and I will come see.”

(I return to my space and restart working, even though it is painful.)

Professor: *exasperated* “Elbows down! Push!”