I never knew I had a “sciatic nerve,” but now I do. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and it runs from the back of your spine all down the length of your legs. I now know since my right leg suddenly started hurting as if it was on fire and since I couldn’t stand on my feet. At first I thought it was my heart and Saga was on the phone to emergency services to get me an ambulance, but then, after about a minute, the pain eased and I came back to myself. It f-ing hurt!

Today I went to the doctor for an appoinment. It’s my spine that pushes onto the nerve and this causes the pain. The problem with the spine comes from sitting too much on a chair and not doing enough exercise. Clearly I’ve taken “chaired professor” too literally. I should have been out there in the park with the old ladies at 5 AM doing taiji!

The doctor gave me German anti-inflamatory pills, some Chinese herbal stuff, and a great belt that helps take pressure off the back.All that’s required is that I stay horizontal and rest. I should be better in a few days.

The doctor, ar Ruijin Hospital here in Shanghai, was a man in his 60s, obviously very experienced. He sees 10 cases like this aday. Btw, I got the appointment in less than 24 hours. I shudder to think how long it would have taken in Sweden. Some things about China are very great. The hospitals are one of them.

There’s going to have to be some changes around here — no more chaired professor. I’m going to do yoga, stretching, longs walks, and meditation.

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