Sweet pain

In 2022, I accompanied my wife to an orthopaedic surgeon in Bangalore who specialises in knee replacement. He came across as a nice guy, very approachable. So, when he finished advising my wife, I asked if I could get his medical opinion on something that was causing me some concern. (In India, you can sometimes generate these ‘buy one get two’ deals.)

“Sure,” he said giving me his full attention.

“I get some knee pain too but only after a long cycling trip or some heavy exercise.”

“That’s sweet pain. Don’t worry about it,” he reassured me.

I’m full of sweet pain now having visited the gym a few times in the New Year. Every muscle is on fire and I feel as if a road roller has run me over. Hopefully, the body will repair itself soon because frankly there is no difference between real pain and sweet pain. Are you listening doctor?

I have avoided sweets since January 1. This variety of sweet pain is almost unbearable. I’m like a junky deprived of my daily fix. I look at my wife and drool like a hungry Labrador when I see her eating those plum puddings.

If any of you meet me this month and I’m not my usual self, you know why. I’m suffering from a double dose of sweet pain.