I am really touched by the kind and caring responses to my post. Thank you so much, Jo and Barb.

To Jo..

I have some questions about your pain /symptoms.
Have you had any hand or arm pain at all? upper back pain?
How is your posture overall?
any previous car accidents/whiplash?

I have had arm & hand numbness all day today on my right side. Even my right leg, my right foot. It seems to move around a little. My neck hurts and is creaking more than usual. My hand joints feel stiff today. Low energy. It's as if I'm having some sort of exacerbation. The discomfort is really difficult to handle. I just try to lay down with heat packs.

As far as my posture...I try to sit up and stand up straight. I have great core strength from exercising and I do yoga and am flexible. Being 6' feet tall in a world meant for shorter people presents it's challenges...counter tops are too low for comfort. Cooking for hours in the kitchen is impossible now without extreme pain. No car accidents or whiplash, but profound, long-term emotional stress, i.e. tension in the neck. I'm also a grinder (TMJ). I still work in front of a computer all day. I've got things set up in an ergonomically correct way, but still, its computer work.

BTW, I have arrested ostopenia; been taking Fosomex for 7 years now. I have not lost any height. My bloods are all within normal limits. Cholesterol is 140.

To Barb..
Your heartfelt message about your brother meant a great deal to me. I'm afraid that my other 2 boys are faced with what you went through. My anxiety over them being okay is a constant concern.

I loved all your ideas and insight. I intend to pursue every single one of them. Thank you so much.

Bonnee