Laugh, I nearly cried.

I didn't realize how down I've been until last night after putting the kids to bed. The Chickenhawk and I were actually laughing. I haven't laughed in a week or so. That is just not me. It feels good to be on the way back. I can't say how much I appreciate how she's been helping me through this.

The prednisone is kicking in and the pain in the hip is back close to pre-last-weeks-fall levels. When I was at the PT's office on Wednesday I had him look at the big old bump on my left clavicle. The shoulder has been hurting since last weeks fall. This is a re-injury of the same thing from last April when I crashed at Priaire City. I had the Doc check it out last May and it was so inflamed then that he missed the break in the clavicle. I'd been doing my best Tyler Hamilton impression and riding through it. So, I've got that going for me, which is... you know, nice.

Next week I've got an orthopedist appt. Fun with HMO's I tell ya. You call 'em and tell 'em you can't walk and they get you an appointment in 10 days. Could Single Payer Health Care be much worse? Anyhow, I'm gonna push hard for an MRI to determine that there aint any soft tissue damage lingering in the hip and then I am going to push for a cortisone injection. Hell I'm gonna push for Human Growth Hormone and EPO if I have to. I want back on my bike dammit.

On the bright side, what am I really missing? Rainy rides and ridiculous trainer sessions. At least I'm not wearing out drivetrains and expensive michelin rubber. If it was May I'd be going insane!

BTW I loved O'Grady's Rant today. I'm thinking that Mr. Ball is going to be the gift that keeps on giving this year.