Out Of The Truck

Bobcat, PJ, PackRat and G-Town, thanks. September 15 seems like years away. I now remember how some of the 'pending a hiring date' folks on here feel.

Sounds like things are moving along. I also don't think heating pads do much. I've pulled a few neck muscles in my day. I've recently used a icy hot patch and that might do you some justice. About 12 dollars for the box but I thought it worked okay.

I was off the road for about five months last year after that transplant, so I can relate to your boredom.

So, I saw the surgeon monday, he is happy with my nekkid photos. Six weeks before next visit, starting on small movements of the neck, hourly stretch, no assist, very limited. Still at 5-10# lift limit, so I can go back to helping in the meal prep area for my wife, she's been a wonderful helper but I'm not enjoying asking her to wait on me... I know - right? Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Melody the Wonderpup is annoyed because I don't frequently enough bend down to greet her and give her what she believes is the appropriate amount of worship, so she discovered that she can jump up onto the recliner and lounge on top of me while I'm there. There could be worse things, though, I guess. In all, staying the course. Probably no updates from here going forward, presuming that all goes according to treatment plan. PT should start after the next office visit, and still on track for mid-Sept return to the seat. Thanks for taking the time to read this...

So, I saw the surgeon monday, he is happy with my nekkid photos.

Glad to hear you're doing well. Don't over exert yourself.

2 months post op: md still happy with tje hardware. No pt yet, home exercize regimen to strengthen the trapezius and other top end stuff. Nerve pain / tingling almost all gone. Next md appt a month out. Not sure what he going to say about back to work, i know what i want to hear...

Great news!!! Stick with the sawbines orders. I know it is hard, but shortest road. You’ll be back in the seat in no time now

You got this Mr. C!

Three months post op. MD remains confident in hardware placement and my progress. Still a wooden left forearm and pins and needles tingles in the fingers, but he's not worried about that yet - could be as much as a year before the nerves settle in, and even then there is possibility that there was enough damage to the nerves that I will always have the tingle or numbness in the forearm. Better than the excruciating pain, so I'm at peace with it.

Got what I have been craving, referral to Physical Therapy / Occupational Work Hardening Therapy. I have a 30# weight limit, which is a 10# increase. Frustrating, but I understand his perspective - it's about finishing the race, not running fast until I break myself.

Gave my terminal manager a text with the details. He told me that he is anxious for me to come back, that they have been experiencing some career dissipation on drivers' parts. Sorry to hear that they are running short, but happy that I'm truly sought after. Maybe kinda like Kipling's "Old Man Kangaroo"?

In any event, hanging in there. The OT order was a good thing today - it makes me feel like MAYBE there is a light at the end of the tunnel on the return to work.

Great news on your health update!

Hang in there...