Back to normality

After just over two weeks away from work, it was time to go back. To be honest I was ready for it, as I think the routine helps distract me, and I was looking forward to seeing everyone.
Still being unable to drive meant that I had to have lifts to and from work which to be honest is one of the hardest things about the whole situation. Having no independence and having to rely on other people for so many things gets frustrating, and then there are the things that other people can't help with (like having a wash or eating dinner) that become so much harder. This whole experience has taught me how much I take for granted. And I could definitely have more patience from time to time! When I found myself swearing at my knickers and tights for getting stuck and rolling themselves up together (try pulling that lot up with one hand and you'll see what I mean!) I realised I need to learn the art of taking a deep breath and chilling out every now and again!!! I'm usually quite good at laughing at myself but when you're tired (and believe me only having the use of one arm and being in pain is more tiring than you'd think) you need the odd reminder!

The first thing I had to do in the office was rearrange my desk. I got pretty good at using the mouse with my left hand when I was first in plaster, so I swapped that over. I also had to pull the keyboard right to the edge of my desk, as I couldn't reach it with my right hand. It took a little bit of getting used to, but once I had, I was able to work pretty quickly.
Getting lunch is something I need help with, as I can't hold a tray, and it's often tricky to grab your food and drink, and still leave a hand free to pay-and this is before we take into account getting napkins and cutlery! Luckily I've had lots of help from my lovely colleagues so it's been fine!
The other thing that's been tricky is finding clothes I can wear to work that fit over my cast. I spent some money on some cheapy casual clothes in anticipation but I hadn't really thought about work stuff! Surprisingly most dresses are ok as they are mostly short sleeved so as long as my cast fits through the arm-hole all is well with the world. This means more wrangling with tights but these are the sacrifices one must make in the name of fashion combined with warmth!!!! I only have one coat that I can wear, and it's not exactly stylish, being my waterproof more often worn teamed with wellies for walking, but after a couple of days shivering I admitted defeat and started wearing it.

I've enjoyed being back to some sort of one-armed normality, and I haven't found things as hard as I had thought they might be. Mainly due to the support I've had from friends and family, but also partly due to my stubborn personality. It's a personality trait that has stood me in good stead over the years, and I now know quite how much being stubborn and determined can help you recover and adapt much quicker than you might from little setbacks like this. The negative thinking side of my personality makes it hard from time to time but the stubborn 'I will not be defeated' streak will usually beat that side of me into submission!