I put off seeking medical care because of my college class schedule. Bad move on my part. I was taking a "Body Pump" class at the gym. (This is a weight-lifting class choreographed to music.) Anyway, when at the rack to put the weights and bar away, someone handled their bar incorrectly and in doing so swung it right into my elbow. It really hurt badly, but elbows get banged all the time so I didn't think much more about it. A week later, it still hurt and now the pain was also in my forearm, plus, my range of motion was somewhat decreased. By the second week, I could not fully extend my arm, could not sleep on that side and had no strength to even pick up a gallon jug of water. It took me 3 weeks to see a doctor! Don't wait like I did. I may have permanently damaged myself by waiting. Time will tell.

I slipped in the bad snow at 4 days before Christmas 2010 and broke my elbow. It has been 8 weeks now and although the bone has healed, I suffer with stiffness of the elbow and weakness in my arm in general. I am 47 years old and really hoping that I don't have any long term damage. I guess taking things steady for a while and gentle exercise on my arm is the only way.