Chapter 9: Was To Be Flying Home
Miami Nice
Just as this whale is waving goodbye, so it was to be with me today. American Airlines from Dominica at 2:33 to Miami, arriving at 5:55pm. That was the plan for today. But, due to my injury, that plan played out four days ago. These are four wonderful parting images, one video and three stills--again courtesy of our amazing host: Patrick Dykstra.
My injury diagnosis is in and progress is being made. The sharp bumps to my shin and to my hip accompanied by the bumpy ride on the hard seats of our boat aggravated a spinal disc through which a nerve runs before shooting down my leg. And, oh boy, did it shoot down my leg. "Shoot" is an appropriate term. Sciatica is the pain I'm feeling that travels along the path of this nerve. When a herniated disk or a bone overgrowth puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots, it causes pain far away from that spot--all down the nerve. If the pain is severe, walking is excruciatingly difficult and sleep, well, sleep is impossible. One struggles to find a body position (Back, Leg, Hip, etc.) where it stops hurting.
The wonderful Mayo Clinic writes: "Although the pain associated with sciatica can be serious, those cases that are caused by a herniated disk can clear up with treatment in a few weeks to months." No fooling about the pain associated with sciatica being serious. I'd compare it to three events in my life: 1. Kidney Stone, 2. Urinary Tract Infection Leading to Inability to Urinate and 3. Hernia. Oh my gosh, it hurt. But now, being well taken care of by Vero's wonderful Dr. Walther, I am already on the mend thanks to copious amounts of Tylenol, Methocarbonal (a muscle relaxant) and a delightful MethylPREDNISolone six-day tablet pack (a "systemic synthetic corticosteroid").
The next chapter in this whale series won't reach your inbox until August 1. On that day I will be flying to Juneau, Alaska, to join Dr. Meagan Jones, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Whale Trust for a week on, not in, the water.
Our "Expedition Leads" include National Geographic Photographers, Flip Nicklin and Ralph Pace, with local expert and award-winning nature photographer, Mark Kelley. I will be attempting to upgrade my photographic skills with a long lens Nikon rather than an underwater GoPro.
I will get there in time for a welcome dinner on the evening of August 1st and whale watching will happen August 2, 3, 4, 5th. And, I will get the chance to meet Meagan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Whale Trust. I can't wait.
Last but not least, this is Thalia--in the photo I'd hoped to star in. I did this. I just don't have the photographic evidence.Oh, well.
