Well, I went to my doctor and finally got a referral to a shoulder specialist. But, that is not the joyful part - I am finally listed as a nonsmoker in my medical record. I don't know if this will inspire anyone else or not, but I have hated seeing that diagnosis of "tobacco abuse" on my medical record. That made my whole day. May seem silly, but it gave me even more of a boost of resilience. The appointment was abrupt as they told me to come right away (I have had some changes, tingling fingers, burning bicep muscle, range of motion has not changed, etc.). Well, I did not have to work, so was not planning on showering - had no time - so, put on some sweats and a sweatshirt, brushed my hair and teeth and ran in. Loved it when my doctor walked in and I told her I never would have come without a shower before because I hated smelling like smoke!! Another feel good day (yep, still bad days, but these kind of days outweigh them all). I hope it inspires someone else to know that if you hang in there, the next time you see your doctor you can say, "please take off of my record that I am a smoker"!! Felt amazing;)
