Medical mystery

Four weeks ago, I started to feel a strange sensitivity on the left half of my body, roughly from my abdomen to my shoulder, extending from my naval to the center of my back. I woke up one morning, and it felt like I had a sunburn. I only felt the pain whenever something touched me, but little things like rolling over in bed or the friction of clothing as I walked were startlingly painful. I did my best not to move for two weeks, missing out on Folsom Street East and Gay Pride Weekend.

I saw a neurologist, to ascertain if I were neurotic, but his test of my reflexes was normal. He speculated the cause was a viral inflammation around my upper spine, near the neck, and that it would probably clear up on its own.

It took a few weeks, but it does at last appear to be improving. First it migrated partially to the right, which was worrisome. My right shoulder blade is still hurting, but everywhere else is far less sensitive than before. Test results from my physical last week indicate nothing out of order, which I guess is a relief. I'm astonished that I continue to have such healthy checkups yet feel so crappy most of the time. I'm a pitta vata and wear out easily.

I was to have an MRI, if my insurance company ever approves it, but I think I'll skip it. I had one four years ago after hitting my head in a fall. It was interesting but still unpleasant. I don't like a medical mystery, but the neurologist said the MRI could only confirm his suspicion, not establish a cause.