Part IX: Return to work
Just like a school kid attending the first day of school, he was excited to get back to work.
He woke up really early, or maybe he didn't sleep, either way, he felt energised.
He was proud of his efficiency in getting ready. He'd worked out the right methods to get his clothing on.
The physio and lifestyle coach had provided him with tips to help with getting dressed and other basic day to day activities and chores.
When putting on a shirt or jacket, you dress the affected arm first.
You use a box to prop your foot upon, to make getting socks and shoes on easier.
Buttons were the most difficult. He worked out that you just need to take it slowly and deftly make one steady flick motion. To concentrate too much, tended to just make it extremely frustrating. He worked out a non-chalant way of getting buttons fastened with one hand.
Returning to work, arm in a sling, like a battle hardened veteran returning home, after braving and survicing the trenches.
Everyone was keen to welcome him back and hear the story of the stroke.
During his moment of recounting his tale, he noticed his boss watching from afar.
Upon making eye contact, his boss gestured him over.
Breaking away from the group, he wandered over to his boss for the obligatory handshake.
This time with an awkward lefthand handshake.
"Good to have you back." His boss said with a small reserved smile but with a furrowed brow. "We gotta lotta work to catch up on," He stated "and we've fallen way behind, that the bigwigs are noticing, and making fucking comments!"
His boss hated being under pressure.
He preferred making his money by drawing happy little KPI graphs, and letting the "bigwigs" know why they should pay him bonuses.
"Well, I guess we can see how I go with one hand tied behind my back." He said with a grin. His boss wasn't impressed.
Working with one hand was not as easy as he had hoped.
Using a keyboard and mouse, while moving paperwork around, puts alot of repetative strain on your whole arm and neck. It also fatigues the lower back.
He had to stretch and take little walks. The build up of strain seemed to be focused on some muscles around his shoulder blade & lower back.
He had to stop rushing as there was no way he could churn through the paperwork. His typing accuracy and speed were terrible and he had to slow down or he might have to replace the backspace key.
A lady from the HR (Human Resources) department came over to him.
"You cannot come back without coming to us first!" She repremanded him. "We need to see that you are all clear to work. Do you have a doctor's certificate? I heard that you had a stroke!" She blurted this all out and then realised the "human" part in her title.
"I really hope you get better soon." She said with a PR smile. Then is a patient and calm voice, now that she had his attention.
"But we really need to sit down with your manager and discuss an action plan.
For everyone's benefit, of course."
Part X: Testify Testicle and the Holding of the Balls
Part VIII: Aware