Blogging while loopy...

Here we go...

I flew to Boston Tuesday night. I tried to sleep in but I am trained to wake up early so why should Wednesday morning be any different? I putz around, answer some emails and grab a quick breakfast. Set up time at the convention center is approaching so I begin to gather my things, when reaching for my tool box, I felt a slight twinge. I thought it an odd pain and began my trek down the hall. I amde it about 20 feet before I locked up. What is going on?? Remember the old man character from the Carole Burnette show that Tim Conway used to play? that was me shuffling back to my room. I could not move my legs without feeling like I was sticking my back in an electric socket. I call Kim and tell her what's going on. From what I described I was having a sciatic issue. Kim get this about 2 or 3 times a year. I laid on my side on the floor and called my boss to let him know what was going on. He called the MS crew and let them know I was out of action. I laid there not able to get up for 5 hours or so. I knew the bathroom was going to be needed at some point so I started my attempted to get up. It took 45 minutes to make my way onto my knees and crawl to the bathroom. I took clinging to a toilet, sink and bathtub to get myself on my feet with tears running down my face I was able to relive myself. Ok, now what? The floor is not an option, I'm surprised I even made it up. I got to the bed and flopped on my side. With my computer and cellphone at the ready, I laid there trying to figure out what to do. With thoughts racing through my mind of permanent disability and being a burden on my family I started to freak out a bit. I had many people praying for me and I have to say I was able to calm down and focus on the short, not the long term. The hotel staff started checking on me every 3 hours or so and my crew said they would bring me dinner after the set up. Along about 10pm I assumed they went to bed (which they did) I ordered a pizza...(If that was the best Boston had to offer, I feel sad for those people) Kim was very upset that I was alone and hungry, I had no issues ordering a pie but if the tables were turned I'd be upset too. I didn't sleep that night and was quite relieved to see the sunrise. Game Plan... The company owners wife started to work on getting me home early. My cousin Barb started on getting me medical help, Kim kept me sane and my boss who has had back issues started working on making the last two shows of this tour happen. Merritt booked me a 7:30 flight getting into O'Hare at midnight. I decided I needed to just make that happen. It took me 10 minutes to get out of the cab but after I was up I was able to navigate Logan airport. The kind people at US Air put me in bulkhead seats with more legroom. (thank you Beverly) I even had a golf cart waiting for me in Philly to get me to my connection. The cart dropped me off at my gate but I noticed a bar about 50 yards before my gate. I got out and thanked my wheeled patron, waited for her to leave and promptly shuffled my way back to "self medicate" After a quick drink I started going back to my gate to have have my chauffeur drive by and say "didn't I already take you to your gate?" "Yes, but I felt bad asking you to take me to a bar." She then drove me back to my gate. I love Philly! I made it home to O'Hare and was more than happy to see Kim waiting for me to take me home. Cousin Barb had Steve brought over a few treats for me and I must say I slept quite well that night. I got to the doctor today and the x-rays showed that I had a slight herniation of the L4/L5 vertebrae effecting the sciatic nerve on my left side. I am now sitting at home gorked out on Vicodine with a Bourbon chaser. Good thing there's no heavy machinery to operate. Even with all the crappy pain (which I now understand what my wife goes through....sorry Kim) Amelia came over for a bit and we napped on the floor together. Man I love her.

My thanks for all my prayer warriors and folks who have helped me...I am humbled.