A new start - 8 October 2010

My last blog seems to have upset a lot of people, for which I apologise.  My intention was never to upset - my sole purpose in doing it was to get the words out and down - and yes, I do feel a lot better for it.  It also provides a handy way of communicating how I feel about things.  A lot of people had no idea what had happened, or at least no concept of the detail - now they do.  Reaction to the blog has been mainly to express admiration for my wife and that is how it should be.  To call someone a "life-saver" is an over-used cliché - but as far as she is concerned, never more appropriate or factually accurate.    I should say that I have started to see a spark of fun mischief in her eyes again, something that I originally fell in love with and have not seen for quite a while - so she must be recovering too.

I have been at work for a week!  First day was really weird - I managed to forget all of my passwords for various things and what with a new case to work on and new shoes etc I felt like a new boy at school...  I am now getting back into the swing of things a little and it feels more "normal" to be in the office.  Work colleagues have been great and have not been reluctant to talk about things - which is nice.  I also get to take the boys into school which is a part of my day that I really missed.  Its odd that you end up missing the moments of your day that you least expect when you can't do them.

The latest news is that my more immediate follow-up appointments are no longer necessary - no more syringing!  I still have to attend the 3 monthly review appointments, but at least I can forget about the journey to Exeter on a weekly basis.  My plastic surgeon seemed happy with things generally - he insists on referring to the scar on my back as a "bit ugly", but then I suspect that he is more used to tidy cosmetic surgery scarring and perfection in his handiwork.  He says that I can now start to stretch my arm and shoulder out a bit more vigorously and is keen that I get onto the gymnastic rings in my garage gym for some hanging stretches.  That should be fun...  I am at the end of the second week of gentle turbo sessions in the garage and enjoying every moment of it.  As Lance says - whilst I can still move, I'm not sick.

Eating well and avoiding alcohol/caffeine also continues.  I haven't had a single espresso this week - which may shock people that know me.  Perhaps I can save that for a weekend "treat".  A lot of weight has fallen off already - intentionally so - I was running out of suits that fit during May/June.  If/when you see me, please don't think the weight loss is anything sinister - far from it.

Onwards.