If you’re a single person living alone and you end up with a cold, you’re left to get better on your own. Unlike most other men I don’t suffer from “man flu”so when I ask for help in coping with something it’s usually because I’m incapcitated.
That’s what happened two weeks ago when I twisted instead of turning and strained my groin. However, that then set off my sciatica which I hadn’t suffered from for over 10 years. Both combined left me with no place to get comfortable except on the floor. That’s when I had to call for help. That’s where my mother comes in. Made up a bag with spare clothes extra and came down to me – bringing the spare keys so she could get in. Going for painkillers, food, preparing little meals and doing all my housework. Well, she needed something to do to fill in her time. My Dad came down later the first day expecting to stay overnight on the sofa bed – then he realised I was lying on the living room floor and there was no space for him.
Today, I’m feeling better, able to sit up and move about, take small, slow gentle walks lasting 2 to 3 times longer than would if fully fit and using a walking stick for support. The sciatica has more or less cleared leaving the strain behind. Some movements are still awkward and sore. I’ve given up the idea of helping out at North Berwick Highland Games on 8th August as I think it’s too soon – I’d already pulled out of the Air Show on the 25th.
My mum’s still around helping out, I think she’s enjoying her wee holiday at the sea-side.
