... and I asked him if I could ride and he said that if I was in the brace.
...
You asked the doctor for permission to ride? Does he own you?

Just giving you a hard time. You do what you need to do to feel comfortable. It irritates some that I don't take orders from doctors.

Doctors' orders are not orders, per se. The patient is always in charge of their own person. However, since doctors are typically more educated in matters pertaining to your health, heeding their suggestions is generally a good idea. By asking if he could ride, I assume RDKLL was seeking his counsel, not asking permission.
Tony, congrats on getting back in the saddle. Hydrate... is awful hot out there (just a suggestion, of course... LOL).