Had my first surgery follow-up yesterday. They were thrilled at how well my incision was healing and got the staples out. The PA I saw was also pleased at the range of motion I exhibited with my neck, with no pain or soreness I might add. All of that was good!

What was infuriating, however, was the fact that my return to work date changed twice in the course of my visit! I left the office with a June 5th return day. Eight weeks from yesterday. That was changed 10 minutes after they said six weeks from the day which was itself a change from the surgeon's estimate of approximately four weeks from the surgery day two weeks ago which was itself a change from his staff's estimate of six weeks from surgery day.

Now I don't expect surgeons or doctors to try and micromanage their staff, but if anything would qualify for clear, plain and direct orders from "on high," wouldn't recovery time qualify?

I am cognizant of the fact it's only been two weeks and that while I feel OK, those cut muscles are still healing. Ten weeks though? Especially after they praised my progress! I'm tempted to set my own return day around the end of May and see if I can't get them to sign off on it. For the meanwhile, I'll just keep around the house.

On a less dramatic front, my paranoia around the primary care doctor visit that was scheduled for me turned out to be unjustified. They touched base with me about the surgery, checked my incision, checked the labs the hospital did and decided, barring any illness or injury, I didn't need to come back for a check up for a year.

Now to watch some Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown!