Feb 15


I went to see the doctor for a shoulder check-up and this may be the last time I see her. My right shoulder is just about pain-free but there still is crepidation. I may still be enjoying the effect of the cortisone shot, that can last as long as 6 months. If the inflammation returns she will “scope” the area and clean it up.


My body won’t let me be pain-free, however. Since my arms got better I’ve been gradually increasing my level of activity. Now I have fairly severe pain in my lower back (sacroiliac not spine). I’ve had some pain in that area for a long time. One day 2 weeks ago I did my normal hour on the treadmill with 30 minutes at a 6 degree slope and followed it by sitting at the computer for a long time paying bills, balancing the checkbook and catching up on budget tracking. The next morning I had trouble straightening up and walking with my right foot. I laid off all my exercise for a week to see if it would calm down but it didn’t. It’s bad for about 3 hours in the morning and then kicks in again about 6 PM. The doctor prescribed a 6-day Prednisone treatment to see if that will settle it and then a routine of stretching and proper walking to strengthen the area. I’m going to quit sloping the treadmill for a while.


While at the pharmacy waiting for them to prepare my prescription, I wandered around the store. I noticed that the rack that held Valentine’s cards was 80% empty. It was evidently a good year for the greeting card industry. On my way out of the store I passed the book section. An older woman (70s) was standing there looking at a paperback trying to decide whether to buy it. She was also there when I arrived at the store. The pink-colored paperback was titled “Satin Sheets”.

The rest of today will be spent cutting some headboard curve guides for the crib and making a temporary worktable to hold wood for gluing, sanding and assembly.