A little update since the blog has been quiet during
convention season. Both 4th Street and Readercon were delights, and I'm greatly
looking forward to Otakon this Friday. But travel just got harder.
Five weeks ago I did something bad to my neck. I cannot
remember a singular incident, but it was around then that I began experiencing
persistent shooting pains down my neck, through my left shoulder, and down my
left arm. It seemed like an exacerbation of problems I've had in my shoulder
ever since a botched muscle biopsy in my teens. It feels a lot like something
sticking your finger in an electrical outlet, at random, every couple of
minutes.
About two weeks ago I had a hard exercise session, and
really pushed my cardio. Recent meds have caused me to gain a lot of weight,
and I wanted to push against it. Instead, something in my neck popped. That was
the first time I couldn't feel my left arm anymore.
The arm regained feeling, and I never lost motor control. Since
then the shooting pains have randomly started appearing in my right arm to
compliment the left. These symmetrical pain is rare enough that I keep trying
to pretend that was just one-- okay, just two-- maybe just three times, not a
pattern.
I have a doctor's appointment in August, which is the
earliest they could take me. But for now, it's a distraction and a worry.
And If I've randomly frowned or grimaced at you lately,
please excuse me. I promise that you're not a pain in the neck.