Recovery is a full time job and one where the improvements are not always obvious. Yesterday was a busy day that started out with a visit to my primary care doctor to address the requirements of the insurance company. He was a stand in for my normal doctor and a nice guy, the quote that stuck with me was "Just because you can go back to work does not mean your ready to go back to work". Interesting, but anyway he did not sign me off for one week but two weeks although I told him my plan was to go back this coming Monday. His advice was see how things go and we have specialists down the hall to help if you do not make progress.
Next stop was the dentist. Over the weekend my jaw pain and teeth sensitivity increased significantly and a conversation with my dentist landed me an emergency appointment. Turned out that my bite was still out of whack and had significantly changed. He worked on me and by the end of the session my bite had changed again. I don't know if you have ever had your bite changed but take it from me it is a strange sensation. The good news is that the jaw joint pain has reduced and the sensitivity seems to be a little improved. The next few days will tell for sure.
After the dentist it was over to the acupuncturist. It never ceases to amaze me. He closing words to me where ones I will hold him to as he said "I think your recovery will be quick".
Next up was the chiropractor. No not the crack and pop version, it is founded on the QSM3 method (to find out more follow this link) and designed to put my body back in alignment.
After all that yesterday I was very happy to be able to control the pain with ibuprofen and not need oxycodone. I even managed to sleep in 4 hour intervals a definite breakthrough.
Today I woke up and had the pleasure of an IBS attack, a sensation I have not had to suffer since we changed our diets a few years ago. I can only imagine that the cocktail of drugs and/or the removal of the drugs did not play nice with my intestine. Needless to say this is Toilet talk, oh come on that's funny...
Once over the IBS attack and I was able to start the day and get in a very basic Foundation Training session followed by a trip the Physical Therapist. My head movement is improving but my neck muscles are very tight and engaged in protecting the injury in the neck at C4. At this point we know there is good movement under the muscle as the movement immediately after the collars removal told us. Since then the muscle has tightened and I have to give the brain time to disengage the muscle. Go figure I have no control over my own body, well it is a battle I intend to win.
It is at this stage of the recovery when I know I have to be really careful. Things are progressing and the pain levels are at the point where I could push myself to far very easily. It is frustrating knowing that and then having to choose not to do things. For example we have the training room ready for riding my trainer but at this point I am holding back to be safe. Another example is typing. Saturday I made the mistake of typing for too long. Before I started I could move my neck slightly but afterwards I was all locked up. Still I did get everything out of my system which really helped - thanks to all of you who replied on facebook.
I am excited to see my movement return and looking forward to the pain in my jaw and teeth subsiding. I don't know who said it but my mantra at the moment is "This Too Will Pass"
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