08/05/2017 - Some normality

It's been over a week since the HALO was removed and I'm still smiling.   I feel like myself again. It's great how simple things are, I hardly even notice I am wearing the Miami J.  Showers are lovely, sleeping is easy, hugging is the best thing ever...I have noticed that I have been more tired than usual, which reminds me it's not quite over yet and my body is still trying to heal. I am not encouraged to move my neck much but there is definitely some movement returning.  It's exciting but I'm not going to push it too far.  My neck and shoulders feel quite stiff when I get up in the morning but this eases as the day goes on.

The pin sights are looking ok, they are a still a bit pink and indented. The front right is more indented and noticeable then the left, there will definitely be a more prominent scar there.  To my own surprise, I'm not as bothered by what the scars will look like as I was when the HALO was first put on.  I guess after what I've been through they will be small badges of honour for enduring 10 weeks with my head in a cage!

Pin sites 10 days after removal

I am still staying with C's folks but looking forward to returning to site next week.  I have an appointment for X-Rays at the Alfred on Friday, which was my original removal date.  I've been thankful for the last week as I can begin thinking about what's next but, in a way, I can still take it easy and not feel pressured to rush back into things.  My activities are still somewhat limited in the collar but I can start looking for a job and a house all over again, this time with a bit more enthusiasm!  

The most frustrating thing about the collar is I still can't go and get my hair done until I stop wearing it full time.  If the HALO has taught me anything, however, it's patience.  Also, I feel I'm less concerned about my appearance now.  I still can't wait for a cut and dye but, hey, now the HALO is gone, I can wear hats again!

22/03/2017 - Ups and downs

This week wasn't so good.  On Friday I went for my routine appointment, shampoo at the ready, only to be told the back right pin had completely lost tension.  They could basically twist it round with their fingers which felt really bizarre.  A CT scan and a few hours later, they determined it would need to be taken out and a new pin would need to be put in beside it.  Oh, and no shower.  Great.

Re-positioning the pin was about 50% as bad as having the Halo fitted and, trust me, that's bad enough.  C was allowed to be there this time which was a comfort.  It can't be pleasant watching a pin get pushed into someone's head, he was great.  The cause of the loosening is unknown and the front left was also very loose and now has to be monitored closely.  At least there is no sign of infection for now.

Friday night was awful.  I felt so low, over it all and in pain.  I took an Endone to help me sleep then woke up on Saturday morning and had a melt down.  I believe it was the Endone, I felt exactly how I felt in the first few hospital days.  I couldn't stop sobbing and couldn't control my breath which felt horrible as it was putting strain on the two pins screwed into my forehead.  I didn't want to leave the room.  C calmed me down, I had a good wash and felt a bit better.  His sister later performed an emotional healing on me and I released A LOT.  She could feel that my body hadn't fully processed or let go of  all the trauma and shock from the accident.  It made complete sense and I have been much calmer since.  We ended up having a lovely impromptu night with C's family at his sister's house which lifted my spirits.

So, it was back to The Alfred on Monday to have the pins re-tensioned again.  This time I was allowed a shower which made the trip worthwhile.  All being well, I can see the half way line now which I feel will be a huge milestone.  Onwards and upwards.