Bandages are off...

The doctor took off the bandages yesterday and I saw, for the first time, a beautiful, 8 inch long scar, running from just to the left of my chin on the collarbone to the top of my left shoulder.  The incision is held together with about 20 metal staples (whatever happened to stitches?) and obviously wasn't done by a plastic surgeon, tryng to hide a scar.

I was able to get paper copies of both the pre- and post-  x-rays.  The amount of displacement was a surprise but more interesting is the plate and 9 or 10 screws that now hold my collarbone together.  I will surely be a hit in airports.

The surgeon's prognosis, however, surprised me in terms of recovery time.  I had 4 basic questions going in:

1. When could I take a shower - this was key, since I had been in the Jacuzzi tub in our bathroom daily but there is nothing like a shower.  Answer - immediately!
2. When could I begin exercising - Answer - within a few days, as long as I didn't use my arms too much (exercise bike, elliptical)
3. When could I run again - Answer - likely within 4 weeks or so.  
4. Could I umpire - Answer - interestingly, he didn't seem too concerned about me being behind the plate.  I guess he feels pretty confident about the stainless steel in my neck.

I didn't go out immediately and exercise, believe it or not.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.  I am going to take it easy this time.

Time will tell.  I'm going to start tomorrow.  STAY TUNED, KIDS.  I AM GOING TO GET THIS MARATHON UNDER MY BELT NO MATTER WHAT!!!!