Does it hirsute me? - Microdiscectomy + 16

A quick update before the main event of this blog.

I'm having more problems walking than I did before. I suspect this could be due to sitting around too much (thanks rain and snow). But it feels like an injury, which is worrying. It's not in the centre of the back, more in my left hip and it feels more muscular. Fingers crossed this passes. 

The wound continues to heal well, and I am not feeling any pain in the centre of the back near the wound. I can bend relatively well. In the light of the concerns above I consider this to be a good sign. 

Saturday was a tough day. I had been hoping to go to the football. But snow and arctic temperatures put an end to that. The game went ahead but I decided that discretion was the better part of valour. I felt down. Not just because of that. As I said in an earlier blog, the biggest challenges right now are mental. It was one of those times where you can pull yourself out of the gloom, or someone else pulls you out of it for a while, and then you sink back down. Thanks to those who brought me some relief from the gloom through facebook, messages, texts, and emails. It really is appreciated.

Today at Jen's suggestion I went quizzing for the first time since the op (I didn't drive). Sitting still did me no good. I struggled to walk about after sitting around and had to pop a tramadol, but boy was it good to get out. Oh and we stormed the quiz. 60/65 points and clear winners by 7 points. All in all a worthwhile night out. But perhaps an indication of how far off I am being right. I can't hope to return to work until I can sit for significant periods of time without seizing up.

Beardy Weirdy

Today also marks the 17th day of my beard. I didn't set out to grow a beard. In fact I have always avoided growing it for too long, as a genetic gift from both sides of the family are some recessive ginger genes. I have nothing against ginger hair, it just looks a little odd to have it on one part of your head and not the rest. Especially since the other genetic gift of prematurely grey hair hit me.

But being wary of hurting my back by leaning over the wash basin to shave I let my beard grow. I last shaved on 8th March, and at some point a week or so in I realised I actually quite liked having a beard. Even with the ginger two-tone oddness. Opinions have been split amongst the two friends who have voiced an opinion.

I am determined to keep it until I return to work, which is at least two weeks away. However, it is now getting to a point where I have to start thinking about trimming or shaping the beard. This is how it is at the moment.

So I found an app and a pic of me clean shaven and put together a selection of style options. I invite you to tell me which you think I should definitely consider. Yes I know I am a hostage to hilarious japesters suggesting the craziest of the options, but to be honest the funnier the feedback the better. 

So in the comments section please tell me what you think of these, or suggest some alternatives (preferably with links). Click on the pic to see a larger version

  In the meantime I shall be lovingly cultivating my new furry facial furniture and awaiting your comments.