Remember this.. 
Well, two months later, I was still struggling with swelling and some pain when I would be walking around a lot (which was all the time). So I decided to go to a doctor in Guatemala. That visit definitely rated high on the sketchy scale. There was blood on the sheet and cigarettes on the doctor’s desk. He tried to drain the fluid that he perceived was causing the swelling, but as he wiggled the needle around inside my knee, he informed me that fluid was not the problem. He suggested to me that it was a possible bone chip or fracture. Since we were leaving Guatemala the following day, I waited to visit another doctor in Nicaragua.
So the series of doctor visits began just before noon on Tuesday the 13th. I arrived at the clinic where the doctor sent me to go get x-rays. I then ventured to the x-ray clinic where he then sent me to the specialist. Upon arriving at the specialist we noticed it was closed. This opened up 2 hours for lunch and other errands. So I relaxed my nerves or at least I tried over a tasty lunch. Once the clinic opened back up, I was greeted by the friendly doctor and his young assistant. I was able to explain through Morgan translating, how I fell down the waterfall 2 months ago and still had a large bump on my knee.
He concluded that my bursa sack was broken and the fluid calcified over time. He explained to me that it would be a simple operation and there was no need to go back to the states to have it done. He also stressed that waiting 9 more months, was not recommended. So I asked him where I should go and when I should do it and he quickly responded; “Here at 6:00 tonight”. I glanced at my watch to find the time was just after 3:30 and he told me he would give me 5 minutes to make the decision.
I was in desperate need of some quick support, calling my mom seemed out of the question, knowing it would stress her out and in turn freak me out. So I decided to try to get a hold of Clinton or Seth back at the camp. To my humor, I got to talk to Chad. I very briefly explained the situation and expressed the urgency to make a decision. “What do you think I should do?” I asked him. “Well how big is the scar going to be?” He responded. I just laughed a little to ease my mind, took a deep breath and decided to go for it! I had slightly less than 2 hours to go back to the camp, share the news, pray and take a shower before needing to be back at the office and it was just enough time!
The moment of truth came as I walked into the doctors office. I sat on the table, shared a smile with them and found a spot on the ceiling to stare at for the remainder of the time. The whole process was decently quick and moderately painless. I thanked Dr. Gomez and went to back to camp.
Two days later (Thursday) I got on a 2 hour bus to the air port. I boarded the 1 hour flight to Panama, and was able to get a seat just behind first class with extra leg room (this is beneficial/ mandatory when your leg doesn’t bend). Stacey started a rumor after the flight that I got to sit in the cockpit and it made a lot of people jealous. Then I had a very uncomfortable seat in the back of the plane during the 4 hour flight to Lima, Peru. Fortunately I lived!
Unfortunately race day was Friday and I was unable to participate. The logistics of the race were phenomenal and so much fun. http://emiliejanson.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=race-number-three I was privileged with the opportunity to travel around Lima in a taxi with Ann and Clinton to watch the teams arrive at each of their destinations. Team salt placed third this round.
Final Destination of the race. The cross overlooking all of Lima.
Please keep my recovery process in your prayers that I will be able to hike Machu Pichu in 5 weeks from now! Also I wouldn’t mind being able to get in the ocean and go surfing while I am here in Lima and on the coast. Thanks for all of your support and prayers!
