The sling is slung. Hallelujah!

A much anticipated day with an excellent outcome. Tax over to the Bone  & Joint Clinic for 8:20. Flew through registration and x-ray, but then got log-jammed. It was after 10:00 when I got the call to see the doctor and review the x-ray. Healing well. Throw away the sling! Return in three months for another x-ray and a review. Hold on for a chat with a physiotherapist. Very happy with arm bending and wrist twisting. Pats on the back for doing my exercises for the past three weeks. Given more exercises to do and a personalised summary chart with illustrations. Back in 3 weeks for another physio visit, which could be the only return needed if progress continues as it's going. All very positive indeed.

Carl picked me up and we made our way over to Clontarf to The Baths for lunch. Soup and a tostey for me. A quick look on the terrace after the meal for a photo shoot with one of the quirky bath-shaped seats, then on to Clontarf Castle for espresso shots and an admiring look at the Battle of Clontarf mural behind the bar.

It's a great relief to be done with the cast and sling after what's been an often frustrating six weeks. Today's doc was very happy with the way the elbow is healing, but stressed that what's grown back is cartilage rather than bone and that it could take up to a year for things to be back to normal. The biggest relief is being able to drive once again. I've been well looked after while confined to barracks, but even though I'd often not leave the house at all from one day to the next, I've been unable to choose whether or not to leave for the past six weeks. I'll take it easy, as advised, but going for a bit of a drive is something I'm really looking forward to before this day is over.