The Highlanders rake and co-captain is now back playing and is looking forward to his first home game this weekend against the Waratahs.
It has been a long road back for Dixon who missed the first three months of the season after picking up a back injury at training. He played two of the games in South Africa and is nearing a return to full fitness.
''It has been a long time away from the game, being in a different role at the start of the year. It was actually a lot of fun getting out there in Bloemfontein though the lungs were hurting a bit,'' he said.
Dixon injured his back in a training incident in February, when he was hit on the top of the head in a drill and then heard ''a massive crack'' and lost feeling from his chest down.
He went to hospital where it was discovered he had a prolapsed disc, which was pressing against his spine.
That led to the stint on the sideline for Dixon, who had been named co-captain for the season alongside Ben Smith.
''I could not do a lot. For the first five weeks I pretty much did nothing. There were doubts in my mind to start with. But I had faith in the doctor [Dr Greg Macleod] who was awesome. He assured me things would come right and they did.
''It is still there or thereabouts. But I have managed to get it strong again and been able to play. It is just about building it week in, week out, for me.
After the long stint on the sideline he got back into action via some club play before making it on to the field in the Highlanders match against the Cheetahs at Bloemfontein.
Appointed a team leader but not able to take the field was not easy, he said.
''I found it difficult to have your imprint on your team when you're not actually playing ... it has been difficult but since getting back playing and getting closer to the action has been better.''
He missed the big win against the Force in Perth last week because of illness which he admitted was annoying.
The 28-year-old captained the New Zealand Maori last year on its end-of-year tour but said any talk of playing for that side against the British and Irish Lions was premature.
He just wanted to get back on the field and play some games.
First up is the Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium this Saturday as the Highlanders seek to extend an eight-match winning streak.
If Ben Smith is selected, he will equal Anton Oliver's record of 127 games for the Highlanders.
''We have had a bit of a chat about it and obviously, that is in our preparation this week. Ben is world-class, isn't he, and he epitomises what being a Highlander is. We will do something special for him and perform for him.''