ryebread-
Welcome to the forum!
If you read through this entire thread, perhaps you noticed my post above...
I'll give you one caution - if the Veterinarian prescribes the drug Metacam politely refuse and request an alternative. Click on the drug name to find out why.
You mentioned you were given a drug for pain - unfortunately, Metacam is becoming a drug of choice for pain relief, it appears, and many cats are very muh the worse for it.
The nearby university...is that a Veterinary school? If so, you are very fortunate. Please keep us updated.