One Week Till Surgery
I'm told writing can be therapeutic. Sounds like a load of bollocks to me, but doctor's orders so I'll buy into it for now.
Since my dominate arm will be out of commission for nearly a month following next week's surgery, I've decided to take up a blog. I can peck out the keys well enough with a finger but I can't write with my left hand to save my life. Actually, come to mention it, I can't do anything with my left except stop a football but there wont be any of that for a while yet. And apparently, my musings need to be legible so I can "reread and reflect". Mental and physical therapy together for the next six months. That's a long time to discover untapped left-armed potentials.
If all goes according to plan, I should be back on the pitch by the start of next season. Mid, if there are PT setbacks. I can't bring myself to think on any other scenario, but Dr. Snell says anything is possible.
Dr. Andrews, the madman with the scalpel, has explained as much to me about the surgery as I care to know. The shoulder isn't like a knee. There's 360 degrees of rotation in a shoulder, only 90 in a knee. And in my shoulder, there's no articular cartilage left. Biceps tendon's detached from the bone. Three separate pieces just ripped clean off. And that doesn't include the scar tissue from the bodged surgery in London, or the atrophied muscles. Dr. Andrews says he's going to try and repair my collar bone in the process, but it's secondary to the joint. Honestly, I'm surprised the club is willing to sponsor this sort of rehabilitation. The odds aren't in my favour.
But I'm determined to stay positive! Hope Solo could handle it, the minx. Why not me?
So on that note...
Hello blog. This is Oliver Wood, documenting the road to recovery. Doctor's orders.