Phase 1: Got cortizone shot for rotator cuff pain last week. Results not as wonderful (meaning back to normal) as I’d hope. Still, there is a significant reduction in discomfort. Was told there had been a reduction in range of motion since last visit. Not a surprise, since, out of frustration, I had stopped doing the exercises. Was also told there were 2 small tears in the rotator cuff which may need surgery to repair. Have I mentioned I hate the word surgery?

Phase 2: Finally asked for, and was approved, for cortizone shot in the hip for arthritis pain. This was done yesterday. The whole procedure was much more elaborate than the shot in the arm, and required x-rays and an iodine dye.

The first thing that happened was the doctor asked me if I’d scheduled surgery. This was very distressing for me, but it did not come out of the blue. (In fact, I have a surgical consult this week, but the appointment was made more to appease my mother than any need percieved on my part.)

Anyway, many injections later (have I mentioned I hate needles?) I was on my way.

This morning the cat was bugging me for breakfast, so I went downstairs to feed him. I realized that I had walked downstairs without even thinking about my hip. Hooray! NO PAIN!

Phase 3: Tomorrow is the surgical consult. I have a thousand questions…