Here Lies My Youth

I saw the sports doctor today about my tendinitis. I was in pain from the end of Sept. until almost the end of Feb. After the first visit (Jan. 15) he wanted me to tough it out so that today he could tell me:

1. Tendinitis is caused by age. I'm over 40 so I should get used to it. Good cholesterol, etc., doesn't prevent aging/clogging in the capillaries (which is what's causing this problem). It's unavoidable and the simple movements of daily life are what trigger the pain.

2. Surgery won't help and he will only do it if I insist. Surgery would mean removing any dead parts of the tendon, reconnecting the tendon to the bone, and there is only a 50% chance it will make things better. He really does not recommend it but I'm welcome to get a second opinion.

3. My perception is correct: no pain medicines help. The only kind that might is morphine (and I don't want that!).

4. There is still a chance it will improve on its own even after two years (which I find hard to believe). The only thing he can suggest is continue to wear my brace and do my PT exercises.

I'm very disappointed and frustrated. I've had severe pain off and on for two years and all he can tell is that it might get well on its own?! Why should I believe that? If normal life triggers the pain does that mean I'll never be able to do any kind of sports again (archery, going to the gym, etc.)? I've heard the expression "after 40 it's just patch, patch, patch" but I was expecting little aches and pains that build up over time, not sudden, disabling pain.

I am so angry and disappointed with this news and the doctor's brusque bedside manner that I can't think straight. I think I want a second opinion but I wonder if it's worth the trouble. I just wasted three months (from the time I asked my doctor to send me to a sports medicine/orthopedic surgeon to today), most of it in pain. How long would it take to get another opinion, and is it likely to be more of the same unhelpful info?

Saffron Update

On a more positive note, Saffron is very perky, chirpy, purry and acts like she feels well. It's such a joy to see her acting happy and normal. I'm so glad this week is spring break so I can spend more time at home with my kitties.

Introducing the Book

This is one of the funniest things I have ever seen:



As one of my colleagues put it: now we know how we appear to the computer support folks.

Webshots, Swaptop, and OS X (oh my!)

I love Webshots, a web site that provides beautiful, free, photos for desktop wallpaper. I have used this site for years, even though they do not have software for Mac OS X. I've written them a couple of times asking when that might happen. I told them I love their photos so much I'd subscribe to their premium service if they ever develop Mac software -- and I will!

(Yes, I know they have a couple of programs that will work through iPhoto, etc., but they only work with photos that you download after installing the software; they ignore all the photos I've downloaded in the past.)

I thought I had found a solution with shareware called Swaptop, which allows you to use Webshots photos as your wallpaper. You must use something since Mac's OS software doesn't recognize the Webshots file format (.wbz). After a year of happily using Swaptop, I was notified that my software -- which I purchased -- was about to expire. In order to keep using the software, I would need to re-register it, and that would cost the same amount I spent when I purchased it! Be warned: Do NOT purchase software from Zonic. They do not tell you that your purchase is only good for one year and that you will need to purchase the software again when it "expires" -- and they don't answer e-mail when you write to ask them about it. Tell all your friends: do not purchase any software from Zonic.

Now I'm back where I started, using shareware (but not by Zonic!) while I wait for Webshots to get around to making Mac compatible software. I wonder if the Webshots folks know they are losing paid subscribers by ignoring Mac users? Maybe they are so big they don't care but I plan to keep e-mailing them until they do.

Happy Valentine's Day

Despite the weather forecast I didn't get a snow day today (darn!). I did, however, enjoy this funny article on FoxNews.com this morning:

The 10 Most Spectacularly Awful Gifts You Can Give Your Girlfriend for Valentine's Day.

Avoiding these gifts will ensure that you have a romantic day!

Grammar Girl Podcast

My new favorite podcast is Mignon Fogarty's Grammar Girl. Each week she answers questions about grammar and punctuation in a witty, entertaining, and pithy podcast. I don't think I'd be good at podcasting, but I wish I'd thought of this!

CNN Story 'Grammar Girl' a quick and dirty success
Grammar Girl Blog (includes links to subscribe to via iTunes)
Download iTunes (for Windows or Mac)
QD Now (Quick and Dirty Tips 4 Doing Things Better)

QD Now include 5 podcasts:

• Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
• Mr. Manners' Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life
• Money Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for a Richer Life
• The Traveling Avatar's Tips for a Better Second Life
• Legal Lad's Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Lawful Life

The only QD podcast I've tried so far is Grammar Girl, but if the others are half as good they will be worth subscribing to.

What the heck are you waiting for?! Go subscribe!

Early Spring?

Today on CNN: Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today, which means an early spring. Ironically, we are expecting bitter cold temps this weekend. I hope Phil has nice, warm burrow to hide in!