Many thanks for the kind wishes. The irony is that I had the work done on "talk like a pirate day", but I had a dressing on so I couldn't exploit it. I had a constant headache due to the fact that I had very tight skin over my forehead for the week, but the stitches were removed on Friday arvo, with almost instant relief.
So, I manned-up and tried the helmet on Saturday. It hurt like hell still, but it did go on:

I was hoping to go for a ride this arvo, but have to play taxi with the kids again instead, but I should be right for work tomorrow.
Rocky, I've been going through DTs over this last week, so I feel for your 3m layoff. Get well soon!