August 27th, 2024

Yesterday afternoon, I had an appointment with my surgeon to review my situation. Over the past three weeks, the pain in my foot has worsened, and my mobility has become even more limited. As soon as I walk, or rather, limp, my foot quickly swells and becomes painful. Even lying in bed, the discomfort persists.

During a previous consultation, my surgeon mentioned that he wanted to discuss my case with a group of orthopaedic specialists. That discussion has now taken place, and a new approach has been proposed. Rather than keeping the current fixation plate, which connects the tibia to the foot, the idea would be to insert a ‘nail’ going through the heel and fixed into the tibia (as shown in the picture). This method offers much greater rigidity than the current fixation.

I’m due to have a new SPECT/CT scan soon, with the results to be discussed at my next appointment on 18th September. A new operation, my sixth! is scheduled for October, overseen by a professor who specialises in foot and especially ankle surgery.

The idea of going back into hospital isn’t exactly uplifting, but I was expecting it. I hope this intervention will finally be the right one and allow me to regain acceptable mobility.

At the same time, I’m planning to renovate my kitchen and bathroom. My flat, which is nearly 30 years old, is starting to show its age. The bathroom, in particular, with its bathtub I hardly ever use, is not very practical, especially considering my current disability. It will be replaced by a walk-in shower.

I’ve requested quotes from three companies. Two have responded, but the third seems rather uninterested, which is a shame. The range of fittings and tiles is impressive: I visited a tile shop and came out feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer choice. However, I’m beginning to clarify my preferences and narrow down my options. Various tradespeople, plumbers, electricians, painters, have already come to assess the flat. The next step will be negotiations.

With the upcoming operation, these works will need careful planning. I’m thinking I’ll stay with my mother for a few weeks, as it seems difficult to live in the flat during the renovation, especially with my post-op limited mobility.

Next step: 18th September, when I’ll meet the team who will perform the surgery!