Well, I might be seeing a pain specialist in a very roundabout way. I have a kidney stone that formed *inside* my right kidney. I was just treated for two kidney stones on that same side, and they went in with a camera to see if they could spot that big stone (1.2 cm. I call it "Mount Rainier." I try to have a sense of humor.) I *shouldn't* be having pain on that side... but I am. So, I'm off to see a stone specialist for a second opinion on it, and if they think that the "Rainier" stone isn't causing the problem, they'll refer me to a pain clinic for some other treatments.

You are right, though. I should start losing my "sensitive New Age guy" card and start crashing gates... even if it means interrupting and steering the subject back to the pain. I woke up today after a hard day out yesterday and it's all I can do not to run screaming through the streets in an effort to get my mind off the joint pain, muscle tension, and fatigue. (The only thing keeping me back is the fact that running through the streets would make everything worse.... and it's raining.)