Went to the ortho yesterday and got some long overdue cortisone shots. I always think it feels weird afterward and worry, but then I realize this is just how normal people feel without chronic pain. It's a grand thing. I do wish this (arthritis) had been caught earlier (ortho's opinion is that this has probably been going on since childhood) but I'll roll with what I have, stay active, and hope for some other nonsurgical treatment options as time goes on. For now, I'm enjoying a respite.