I knew I'd likely need to see a doctor at some point on my trip. But, I always imagined it'd be overseas in some exotic city making sure I didn't have some disease I couldn't pronounce. I never thought it'd be in my own country before I ever set foot on foreign soil.
In the week preceding the start of my trip, I acquired a back ache that hung around through the first part of my trip out to the Southwest US. I aimed to tough it out as it would typically vanish once I moved around awhile during the day. But, at a stop just outside Bryce Canyon, I bent down and my back collapsed completely. In considerable pain, I decided my back just might not get better on its own.
A trip to the nearest ER in remote Southwestern Utah couldn't determine the source of the injury despite some x-rays. An MRI in Salt Lake City, an excrutiating four-hour drive away, was recommended. But, once I got to Salt Lake City, the pain was so intense that I opted to cut the trip short and headed back to Chicago to see just what I'd done to myself. Back in Michigan, an MRI confirmed that I had herniated a disc in my lower back which is also pressing on the sciatic nerve that runs down my left leg. It's a fantastic combination that only hurts when I sit, stand or walk. But, after 10 days of laying on my parents couch watching World Cup soccer matches all day, the pain is subsiding and my range of movement is increasing. In another month or two, I expect to be back in traveling shape.
I've postponed my trip to Costa Rica/Peru which I hope to do next summer after I get back. I'm planning to resume travels in late August by heading to Fiji as planned. I'll continue to post any new updates and info here whenever its makes sense.
In the mean time....remember to bend at the knees.
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