Guess I’ll stick this here. I got into some pretty severe arthritic pain twice this past week - the kind if located in your back that might cause spasms, and temporarily paralysis. Mine was in knee. I jumped on it pretty fast and thoroughly massaged pictured rub in as deeply as I could into the tissues - an almost immediate rescue, and indeed a wonder, if not a small miracle. OTOH, a trial
of Celebrex did absolutely nothing for me. Biodiversity continues to amaze me. In no way advocating for others, just interesting what works for one person, doesn’t work for another. If you’re in pain keep trying for relief, with Dr in the loop. After all if chronic pain, very reduced quality of life, reduced ability to pursue cooking passions, gardening or sometimes even enjoy food.
Good for you @Lambchop
The nearby Catholic Church has resumed the first of the month fish fry on a drive thru basis. I’m not Catholic but I do enjoy supporting the local community.
I beat my body into submission for 25 years playing sports hard and enjoyed every second. I’ve had a knee and hip replacement and the shoulder is giving me problems.
Not sure if this is a placebo effect but weed seems to help. I got a two week supply of pain medicine on February 3rd and finally took the last one.
Happy to hear you’re getting some relief at least. It sucks getting old. Never, ever, thought I’d be experiencing the arthritic problems I have. I didn’t over exercise, I can assure you. It’s genetic (from mom’s side), as confirmed by docs. Hope you don’t need a shoulder repair - a friend who’s had double knee and hip replacement surgeries is trying to recover still, from her repair months ago. She’s no wimp either, trust me. She said shoulder is toughest by far, than all she’s experienced. Hope your journey keeps you comfortable and “Forever Young” There are a lot of therapies out there too, so there’s that. Stay well! 
Also, good job on eking out the pain meds for that long!
Before recently retiring the youngsters at work said you’re old. My standard response was, “Guess what? You’ll be lucky to live to my age.” Then I’d tell them how my best friend in high school died at 23 plus other pitfalls.
I love “Forever Young.”
I’ve had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. Recovery is a bitch. 4 months of PT 2xs/week and exercises at home. I bought an ice machine for cold therapy and it was worth every penny. I really needed the oxycodone for an extended period of time. I still have some pain, but my shoulder/arm is functional once more. Don’t know if I would go through it again with my non-dominant left arm.
Yes, me too, best I could wish for anyone. If I consent to a casual memorial service it will be on the playlist. Also wanted to comment that your career in retail, on your feet a lot, also took it’s toll on your body. Yes to the younger generation’s attitude generally, and I too have lost multiple friends, well before their time. Sad.
Semi good news. For the first time since the early days of the pandemic, Scotland has not recorded any deaths. Only semi good news, as recordings at the weekend are always lower than during the weeking and there may well be a catch up tomorrow. Positive direction - no doubt due to the cautious way the Scottish government has approached the relaxation of lockdown.
Northern Ireland also records no deaths and Wales only five. Both reflect the cautious approach of the regional governments. In England, figures are declining very slowly
Happy to hear ANY good news at all. My “tribe,” maternally from your part of world. Surprised that some countries mentioned could agree enough for success, not saying who. No Scots blood, AFAIK, but will have to recheck DNA results. The recessive gene for my eye color undoubtedly came from Ireland, and family wide only expressed in me. In any case, I hope, as we all can, that Britain slows down very soon.
Thanks. The situation here (as with you) continues to be depressing. One night last week the BBC published that days death figures for the UK putting it higher than the TOTAL OF ALL the 27 European Union countries. That’s one heck of a context.
I heard that also; hope our respective countries can get this big scary calmed down, as it’s undoubtedly going to be around for awhile. On the good news front, kid #1 has multiple friends working in biotech, they are all saying that things are looking better than expected for an early and effective vaccine. Fingers crossed for that. 
Thanks for your respective @retrospek - aligns with everything I’ve also heard. However, my friend’s dad had it last year in his mid 80’s, and bounced back miraculously; can only infer his repair wasn’t nearly as extensive as most.
I’ve heard that too. Apparently the vaccine developed at Oxford (UK) is looking very promising. So promising that they have started (or about to start) production in advance of final testing , etc - so that, if it does indeed work, they are well on the way to mass production (initial funding from our government,I believe).
Good minds @Harters…
I had a complete tear, many tendons to be reattached, so mine was bad.
Ooh, sorry; sounds painful, and would affect so many different movements. Meant to write perspective up above - phone may have changed it & I missed. I get you about not having it done on left side if it was needed.
First time ever for a proper colored bloom on an antherium plant. No credit to me, since I have a black thumb. H brought it home from his office & it must like it’s sunny spot in back bedroom/now office.
My husband was in the liquor store the other day checking out single malt scotch for the occasional drink. A lady next to him asked for his advice. She said her 85 year old mother was drinking a half gallon of Chivas every two days and could he recommend anything cheaper. He said damn girl, and I believe that was the end of that.
You’re married? No!!! Wait, so am I. Never mind.
