Progress.

Last Thursday, I had the office visit that I was waiting months for. It was the office visit that was going to determine whether my body was heading in the right direction and that I will be able to physically work. I wanted to be at that point where the doctor felt certain that he could say that I was fit to return to work. Mind you, I do not do a manual job, I do a desk job. But that was the problem because sitting causes me pain and still does if done for long periods of time.

I didn't realize how nervous I was until I realized I was not breathing. And when the doctor said that he was impressed with how well I was healing and that even my scar looked good, I let out a deep breath. He said he was comfortable releasing me to return to work but that the first week to only work 4 hour days and then the following week I could increase as tolerated. This was the last visit I would need with him as long as I took heed to his instructions and it felt good not to have to make a follow up appointment.

He told me to still be careful and to take it easy. He said I could go back to the gym but to start out slow with just walking on the treadmill (which I did the following day and was able to manage 20 minutes!) and lifted my 8 lb restriction and said that I could lift more if necessary. He made me laugh when he said that I could have sex but no crazy sex (sorry TMI).

And when I left his office for the last time I gave him the biggest hug because he was exactly the doctor I needed. God gave me the doctor that I would need during the most physically trying time in my life. God is good like that. Always giving you things that you sometimes don't even know you need. I'm embarrassed to admit that in all my years I did not realize how a doctor should be. I mean, I knew but very often it was not given so it became the norm. Your doctor should not be rushed when he/she sees you, your doctor should give you all of their attention, your doctor should be compassionate even if he/she has become jaded, your doctor should simply care. And for the first time in my life I know what I need from a medical professional and won't settle for less.

I return to work tomorrow and I know there will be a lot of questions which is understandable as I've been out for three months. There may be some questions I might not even be ready to answer which may or may not result in tears but now I know what a big deal it is to be physically fit to work. And as I told my friends on Instagram (midnyteblue13) if I ever complain about going to work on a Monday morning, I give you permission to punch me square in the face!