Hike Distance: 7.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 402 feet

After a visit to the orthopedist, about the horrible pain in my arm, I’m elated that Dr. Chesnutt has identified the cause. 🙂  The pain is actually in the upper bicep and is called Calcific Tendinitis.  Basically I have calcium deposits in the tendon, and it’s built up enough to cause this sudden onset.  Using an ultrasound machine, I’ve received a large shot of cortisone and it’s been a miraculous improvement, and within minutes!  Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this issue from reoccurring in the future but hopefully I’ll be free from symptoms for a long time (fingers crossed)?  The Dr. made me feel better by mentioning I was the third patient in the morning to have this issue.  I won’t be allowed to carry a backpack for a week or weightlift for 3 weeks, but I’m not complaining.

A gorgeous warm day with plenty of time to sit on the benches and just look out at the beauty.  I just reveled in not having the shoulder pain and enjoying the moment.  It was crowded on the trail but still very pleasant.  A great day to be outside!