I've just returned from the Physiotherapist. Although I slept better last night in our guest bedroom with a firmer matress, no footboard, and tylenol, my condition today hasn't improved. Had we the time, my physiotherapist wouldn't be too concerned but with our long journey just 35 hours away she's looking for the best way to just get me home. With the assurance that I won't do permanent damage, she okayed me for the flight - it'll just be painful, possibly excrutiating. Unfortunately, injections at the nerve root (instant pain relief and indeed, available in Nairobi) are out because no doctor would give a shot this close to a flight because of the potential for bleeding.
Instead, I have a prescription for an opiate to take as necessary during the flights or layover to keep the pain at bay. The admonition was, "You'll feel much better but your wife will probably hate you because you won't be able to help her at all." Great. What kind of choice is that? I'm relieved that I'm not risking further or more serious injury by flying. And I feel like we have no choice but to make our flights and get home where recovery can continue and at least Krista can get some help with the kids.
On arrival in the States I'm to see an MD, be referred for an MRI, and be sent to an Orthopedic specialist before continuing physical therapy. It's possible, she says, that we actually have successfully reduced the bulge in the disc and that I am recovering but that the sciatic nerve is not calming down - this is apparently common and not reassuring in the slightest.
Tomorrow night we start a 30-hour journey. I can endure and I will survive - it's just pain. Please continue to pray for Krista who bears the greater burden.
-Shauen