Bidding farewell as her eldest child, 18-year-old Charlie, jetted to remote Kure Atoll to do conservation work in March, Jeanette Thomas knew it was going to be an “odd year”, adjusting to her firstborn flying the nest.
However, the 48-year-old radio host was oblivious to just how different 2020 would be, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic rocking the world, followed by a debilitating health curveball which left her mentally drained, unable to sleep and in excruciating pain.
“It was horrendous. I would give birth six times in a row with no pain relief over that pain,” says Jeanette, who was eventually diagnosed with a frozen shoulder. “I’ve never known pain like that.”
Having always been in good health, Jeanette, who co-hosts The Breeze’s breakfast show with Robert Rakete, wasn’t concerned when she felt a “niggle” in her right shoulder in March.
Wondering if she’d pulled a muscle, the discomfort worsened over following weeks, but she was reluctant to visit a doctor’s office amid COVID-19.
However, the condition began impacting all aspects of her life. At work, right-handed Jeanette typed with one hand, while at home, she soldiered on.
“Like most women, you find other ways to do things – like vacuuming with my left hand!”
Getting dressed became “near-impossible”. She recalls, “I had to put my bra on around my waist, do it up, then swivel it around.”
Denne historien er fra January 18, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 18, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK