it's getting better

 All indications so far are that this back thing was no more than a very bad pulled muscle.  Kinda surprising, since it has been hurting almost as bad as the kidney stone I had some years back, generally considered by many in the medical profession as being the worst pain most people will ever have an opportunity to experience.

 But because it's getting better AND the way it feels and responds to things like heat, motion, stretching, and so forth, indicates that it's probably not a ruptured disk.  So long as I don't develop any shooting nerve pain, I'm going to hold off on getting x-rays.

 Still, this was a doozy.  I am currently doped up on NSAIDs, Tylenol, muscle relaxers, and oxycodone, which later drug I hate with an abiding passion, by the way.  I despise all opiates, I don't know how or why anyone would ever use them "recreationally", the only times I've taken them were this time and when I had the kidney stone.  Anything less and I would rather just hurt.

 Won't be working today, but hoping I can go back to work tomorrow.  My boss will just have to deal.  He's been very patient with me so far - VERY patient.  I am lucky to still have a job.

my wife: "why couldn't I have married a rich guy whose mom owns a greenhouse business?"

me: "why couldn't I have married a rich nymphomaniac whose dad owns a latex clothing business?"

everyone: "why does life suck so much instead of being awesome all the time?"

 Apparently because God hates us.