Back to work...back to reality!

Yes, the coldest day of the season welcomed me back to work on Monday! It felt like -30 as I walked down the chilly sidewalks to 245 King Street East. It didn't really seem fair that I had to break out my parka for the event, as well as wear two pairs of pants, mittens, scarf and ear warmers....then I remembered! All the while I was taking my radiation treatments, I had to walk an even greater distance from my coveted parking spot at William and Earl to The cancer centre....and every day it was above zero...in November and December! Why should I possibly complain now?

It felt strange to be back to work (again) as soon as I walked onto the floor and sat at my screens, I felt a wave of panic: what if I forgot everything? What if I need retraining and there is no one to help me?  What if, what if, what if? My supervisor was sick that day so my manager advised that I get my systems up and running and get back to taking calls. (I had been keeping up on everything while I was off by reading my work emails everyday) After my first call, I knew I had nothing to worry about; I still had what it takes! I still loved what I did for a living, and my very first customer was kind enough to remind me of this! The only issue is this rotator cuff injury.

It has been determined that I will be gradually working up to full time hours so last week I worked 4 hours a day and had Wednesday off for my last doctors appointment. I say it's my last, as this doctor that I have had for exactly one year, is leaving on February 1st. How crazy that I have an interview/appointment with my potential 'new' doctor on February 3rd. That's when the new doctor decides if I am a good fit for their practice. I'm kind of scared of his evaluation, my health track record for the past years has been anything but stellar. Regardless, I need a doctor and this is my last resort as the provincial government tells you it's your job to find a family doctor that will take you; not theirs! So fingers crossed that they will accept Mr Bill and I!

And speaking of doctors; I did find out on Wednesday that I have a full thickness rotator cuff tear on my right shoulder blade. (Don't google the treatment methods, you will gag) The results of my MRI last week were already available. I was told that surgery will be the probable option, but I won't know for sure till I talk to an orthopaedic surgeon named Dr Pickell on February 8th. Currently, I have to pick up my right hand with my left hand to travel from the mouse back to the keyboard, as I have lost that left to right range of motion? It looks rather crazy if you are observing, and it makes me slower on my calls, but it's the best I can do. I'm sure that doing my best at work is far better than sitting at home, worrying!

This week, I work three six hour shifts and two four hour shifts. I'm hoping that my body gets back into the groove. I am still taking a high dose of Motrin every morning and night, but the pain still pops up once my right arm is being used. I tried vacuuming my house with my left arm yesterday. It probably took me twice as long, but it got done!

Reading back over this posting,  it appears that I have become that person who prattles on and on about their medical condition. I would like to start off the year by NOT doing that...moving forward;) I will allow you to do your own editing. I just had to get all of that down so I have it documents in case I need to fall back on it.

As week two of my return to work schedule starts, I am grateful for the re-establishment of a schedule and a reason to wake up in the morning. I really missed the people I work with. Many didn't even notice I was gone, but the ones in my customer service department really missed me when they were at their busiest last month. I thrive on a feeling of  * belonging * which is not attainable when sitting at home all day watching soapies;)

Have a great week everybody!