Dianne,
Like you I was also very impatient especially as none of the medical people could tell me how long the healing would take. I even got the "how long is a piece of string� reply.
I expected to be back at work in no time at all and wish I had been given at least a rough idea how long it would all take.
You have probably seen it written here and it is true that everyone is different.
My operation was on the 6th September 2006. On the 13th of October I felt well enough to attend a work function with an overnight stay in the city whilst not ready for work yet.
One of the activities the next morning was a jet boat ride around the harbour however the hole from the tracheotomy was still healing and I did not want to drown.
I opted for the 2nd choice which was a massage in my hotel room.
I was lucky that I could do some work from home via computer and in November started working a couple of days in the office and the rest from home.
After Christmas I started back full time. I still have some swelling however it is not painful. Cosmetically it does not look all that great but can be hidden with high neck tops, scarves jewellery etc if I feel like it. The more time that goes by the less fussed I am about it especially around people I know and who know me.
Hope this helps
Gabriele