February 19th, 2025

Yesterday afternoon, I went to OrthoTeam (https://www.ortho-team.ch/), the workshop that makes my orthosis (not a prosthesis, as I had misunderstood). They explained that a prosthesis replaces a limb, for example after an amputation, whereas an orthosis is a device designed to stabilise a limb.

I had already tried an early version of this orthosis nearly two weeks ago, but it still needed several adjustments. This afternoon, the device was finally finished, and I was able to try it on along with the accompanying shoe.

My first steps were a little hesitant and unsteady, a new feeling after 18 months spent in casts and on crutches. I quickly noticed that the shoe tended to tip me inwards. The shoemaker immediately spotted that the sole needed adjusting. So I didn’t go home with the orthosis just yet, but I’ll be going back next Monday for the final fine-tunes.

Is this finally the light at the end of the tunnel? The beginning of the end of this long journey? Time will tell!

Meanwhile, I also received a cost estimate, which I passed on to my health insurance. They confirmed the expenses will be covered. The orthosis itself costs over 5,000 CHF, not including the fitting fees and so on. A significant sum, but probably much less than another operation!

In the afternoon, I also saw my GP to discuss the results of tests related to my digestive issues. The antibiotics I took for nearly four months have wrecked my gut flora. The results are reassuring, nothing abnormal, but the problem persists. I was prescribed new medication and booked an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I’m not in pain, but it’s really unpleasant!