Well, as you know I have returned to work as of Feb. 6 and I wanted to let you guys know what's going on. My first day back wasn't much to talk about. I took detached duty at a hospital for the day (no better place to start off when you're not too sure what to expect when returning after a good battle with MG). Everything went smoothly. Later that evening, I was pretty tired. I had 2 days off, then returned on Sunday to regular duty. For some odd reason, I woke up at 1 am. and was wide awake (excitement I guess). Arrived at 5:30 and everybody came to welcome me back. The lieutenant scheduled me at a pretty cushy post and let me spend the entire day walking around the prison, talking to all my fellow employees and friends. Everybody had a ton of questions and I answered every one of them. The reaction was not what I expected. First off, let me explain corrections officers. We are a bunch of guys who are extremely critical of each other, we will tear each other apart and grind each other to pieces at each open opportunity we get. We are thick skinned, we have to be. But we will defend each other and fight for one another through some hellish situations with out thinking twice. Over the past 6 months while trying to fight MG. I used every bit of sick leave and vacation I had, with no short term disability to fall back on. I figured by December, I would be flat broke and have to start calling the banks about my house payments, car payment and other bills, but these guys sold tickets, donated money, and donated vacation time to me to keep me and my family from going under. I could never do enough to repay them. They even went out and got my son things for Christmas. Well, Sunday I went in and got some reactions that I didn't expect from a lot of guys. I expected the welcome backs and hand shakes, but there were hugs and very heartfelt words exchanged (not something you'd see some hard-nosed, macho prison guards doing). It was pretty emotional. Even today, there were still a lot of hugs and phone calls being exchanged. I know that I am a very lucky man to have a few hundred friends like these guys and girls. I am thankful.
Now the physical side. When I get home, fatigue sets in about 5:30pm. I mean my butt is kicked. I feel the weakness in my arms again, not to the point where I cannot use them, but I want to sleep. My eyes and face gets tired. I plopped down on the couch (which I haven't done in years) and it was the most comfortable feeling I ever felt, almost like floating on air. My wife said I should go to bed, but I told her I'd wake up at 1 again and I would force myself to stay awake. Besides, it was the season premier of The Walking Dead, and I didn't want to miss it. Went to bed at 10, expecting to wake at 4:15 only to wake at 3. Went back to work and made it through the day with no problems. Came home made dinner for my son and hit the wall. I can't believe how fast fatigue sneaks up on me. I hope my wife doesn't get mad at me but, the dishes are going to have to wait. I am going to bed. Next week, if I can shake the tiredness in the evening, I am going to try to double out one day, and have an extra day off to rest, then double 2 days with an 8 hour day (that was my schedule prior to MG). 3 days of work, 4 days off. But I know I have to take my time, and I will.
Oh, the inmates even ask where I've been for the last six months. I don't want them to know anything about me, especially that I am sick and have MG, so I tell them I have been on vacation for six months. I hit the lottery for 280 thousand dollars, and been seeing the world with m y family. Most of their responses? Man, you're so lucky. Yes I am. In more ways than I can count. And so thankful
And I want to thank each and everyone of you here, because this is where I found my strength and courage to begin my fight, with you guys and girls, those who know and understand what we all face, where I got my hope and started to take my life back. Thank you all.
Tim.