random thoughts - Day 2,030 (Tuesday) - checkup letdown

 After 11 days of constant shoulder and arm pain that ran through the flavors of aching, stabbing, throbbing, spasming, tingling, sharp, dull, and everything in between, it was time for the orthopedic appointment. I had big hopes that a source would be identified and some form of relief prescribed. I was prepared to hurl myself into any potential remedy whether it be pharmaceutical, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, or even voodoo. 

Boring exam room.

Several x-rays were taken in a room two doorways down the hall and then I was in a nondescript, nearly empty exam room. The most interesting thing was a model of a knee. There were no computer screens with x-rays on display, just a sign about declaring "No use of electronic devices in exam room." 

The exam included tests for mobility and strength. I was told my x-rays were great and so are my mobility and strength. The pain might be currently emanating from my shoulder, but that does not seem to be the source of the problem. 

Based on the tingling, the PA thinks it could be a pinched nerve situation and I have been referred to the spine and neck specialists. There was a cancellation on Monday, and I was given the appointment slot. If things continue as they have been, it's going to be another long and painful week. I can't remember the last time I felt this knotted up and miserable.

In fun news, some top secret Halloween performance costuming parts ordered yesterday arrived today. A potential solution was devised for the recently arrived "one size fits all" top that is comically large on me. The lamp and few other items in my cart that had the price increases late last week have dropped back down to the previous prices that make it look like Prime Days deals, and a couple items seem to be enjoying bona fide discounts and I'm tempted to stock up on Kiki's now deeply discounted cat food and a few cans of instant chai latte for me. My pricing displeasure has been assuaged.

On the Kiki front, she has been spotted several times on the bed that past couple days. Each time, she slithers off it like maybe I won't notice even though I tell her she is the smartest and best and prettiest kitty. Last night, her little head popped up at the side of the bed  and she leapt onto the bed, but when she saw me in it she jumped off. This afternoon, she stretched and lounged on the living room floor in a spot of sunshine and posed in front of me.