Tony Burbeck WCNC Reporter

A funny thing happens when you're injured, bored, love your job and used to operating with a large natural dose of adrenaline (ok, caffeine too).

It's called going stir crazy. I've been stirring for several days now.

"Man, they sure keep you busy!"

"I see you all over the place!"

"When do you sleep?"

I hear comments and questions like that all the time. I am kept busy, I do end up all over the place and I sleep when I can. My job as a television news reporter for NewsChannel 36 is rarely if ever boring. Which brings me to the new line of comments and questions:

"Ouch, what happened?"

"How did you injure it?"

"That looks painful!"

"Are you going to wear that on TV?"

Answers:

I had shoulder surgery.

It's from sports/wear and tear/basketball and getting older.

It is painful.

Yes, I'm going to wear that on television.

"That" is a big shoulder/arm sling. The doctor said I have to wear it all day, every day, except during rehab and showers for the next 3 months straight depending upon how the recovery goes. Altogether, rehab could take 5 to 6 months.

I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting 3 to 6 weeks and getting right back on the basketball court with my friends at the YMCA. The doctor said that would happen unless he finds something that didn't show up on the MRI. Guess what? It wasn't on the MRI and it is, he said, a "worst-case scenario."

I learned a long time ago I have a hard time relaxing. I've gotten better at it over the years. I am quite good at it once I get into the flow of a weekend or vacation. The first part of this vacation, the pleasure, was right on the money. My 20-year high school reunion, catching up with old friends and doing whatever, whenever.

The second part brought me here. After all, I write for a living and if I'm going to wear "that" for three months, I might as well see if I can type while wearing it. Call me stir crazy.....I won't object.

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