It's been four weeks since David damaged his sciatic nerve doing a simple boat job. The last month hasn't been easy for either of us. David in such pain that he couldn't stand up. These episodes could last for three days. I do what I can to help him and take on all lifting and carrying duties.
Ten days after his sciatic nerve first caused pain, and when it wasn't showing signs of healing on its own, we were able to get an appointment at the osteopath clinic. The clinic was twenty minutes taxi ride away on the south coast, but our favourite taxi man, Edmond found time to run us there are back. After the first treatment of massage and manipulation David was sore next day. The next week his treatment including 'cupping' in addition to massage and manipulation. He was told that cupping 'lifts the muscles away from the underlying nerves aiding pain relief'. The sceptic in me wasn't convinced and the words mumbo and jumbo were flitting through my mind. The photos show the glass cups and the bruises they inflicted.
When the next two treatments left David in debilitating agony that he couldn't get out of bed for three days and when he could get out of bed couldn't walk twenty steps we decided it was time to stop. Why pay for treatments only to feel worse after? So began a self help regime of anti inflammatory pills, twice or thrice daily hot and cold compresses, gentle stretches and time. The pain was in his right buttock and extended down through the thigh and calf to his Achilles. It was hard to watch this strong man I love as an invalid, but gradually we made progress. When he could walk to the disabled shower 150 metres from the boat, albeit with two rest stops in each direction, it was a major step forward. He'll get there. We'll get there together.
Where is there? Recovered sufficiently to take the next step forward, to sail up to Martinique.
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