Trying to influence people while wearing a neck brace

I thought I might jot this down. In a few weeks I think I might forget what it was like and its important to remember what a large part of the life and persona the brace was.

Trying to conduct high level research with clinicians while wearing a Philadelphia collar for a broken neck was quite challenging. I was really aware that they would see me as another patient, more work, or another problem, for them to solve rather than as a serious researcher.

I started off seeing the Directors of various health services for permission to recruit their staff to meet the requirements of various human research ethics committees. I would negotiate the bus timetable and take care to pack all I needed in a light bag for carrying the next day. In the morning after I'd had my few moments of panic over whether I'd catch the bus or not, I'd get on board and begin checking my resources were there in case I had to work anything out before I got there. I would spend the remainder of the trip with my eyes closed, deadening my nerves.

When I got to my destination, I was always 15 or so minutes early, as I had planned. I would find their office and then go to the Ladies Room. In the loo, I'd freshen up and make sure everything was in place.

I went to the Director's office and knocked on the door. When I was allowed in, I could see the curiosity in their eyes. I sat down and quickly talked about the fact that my brace was yucky, but never mind. I had been in a yucky car accident where luckily, everyone would eventually walk away. I also pointed out that had I met them the following week, I wouldn't need to wear the brace at all, but I had to do as I was told... I then sold my work like mad and the people I saw (hopefully) soon saw me and my work and not the brace. I walked out with every signature I needed.

The same thing happened while wearing the brace during the data collection process at every location I went to. Initially I saw curiosity and even hesitation- it was my job to wear that down. One person asked for continual reassurance that my neck didn't bother me during the interview, which was a bit of a chore I guess. His face spoke volumes. But I got my interview and its a good one. At then end of each interview I was exhausted and could have slept for the day, but I often had data to enter or another interview to conduct, so that was that.

I know I make this sound kind of simple when I read it but it wasn't. It still isn't really, I scribble during interviews and depend on audio tapes for authenticity. Even checking that my audio devices work is a chore for my arm and hand- the neck brace just made it more cumbersome.

This week, for the first time, I didn't wear the brace for one interview. I took it off in the loo and put it back on afterwards. I loved that interview, even if I was still clumsy! The whole lack of self confidence thing clearly lasts long after the neck brace is removed.

One aspect of the neck brace that I found amusing is that there are fetishist web sites dedicated to women who wear braces. Ahh well, at least someone found me attractive in theory... Everyone to their own I guess. I feel so much more cute and professional without the brace- the whole mind over matter thing is clearly a really big deal!

I did my neuropsychologist thing this week and there have been a few other developments re health stuff, but that can wait until after I have seen the doctor tomorrow.