July 17th, 2026

On Wednesday, I had an appointment with my surgeon. At my previous consultation, I had been very hopeful that my adventure with the “Robocop” boot would soon be over. Unfortunately, those hopes had been dashed. This time, I went to the appointment without any particular expectations. After all, it is better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed once again.

The consultation began with the now traditional X-rays. Even the radiographer has become a familiar face. At this rate, I will soon know everyone in the department.

After a few minutes of waiting, Professor Krause came to collect me. To my surprise, he was also walking with crutches. “Welcome to the club! What happened to you?” I asked. He had recently undergone hip surgery because of a hereditary condition in his family. However, he explained that he would only need his crutches for three days. Just three days... A very brief membership of the club which, despite my best efforts, I have belonged to for rather a long time.

After the usual questions about my health, which is generally good despite persistent neuropathy over the past few months, he turned his computer screen towards me. As at every consultation, he placed the X-rays taken two months earlier alongside those taken only moments before.

Everything is exactly where it should be. The screws have not moved, and the nail running through my ankle and up into my tibia remains perfectly positioned. Considering everything my leg has already been through, seeing each component staying obediently in place is excellent news in itself.

As at the previous check-up, the surgeon focused particularly on the tibial fracture. The healing process is progressing well. The hazy area still visible around the fracture at my last appointment has disappeared. It is now possible to see clearly that the two sections of bone are beginning to fuse.

Naturally, however, there was a “but”. To avoid taking any risks, I must continue wearing the VACOped boot for another month. On the positive side, I can finally say goodbye to the crutches and knee scooter. That makes it 50 per cent good news or, for the pessimists among us, 50 per cent bad news. Personally, I prefer to focus on the first half.

Being able to move around without crutches represents a considerable step forward. I must admit, however, that I do not yet feel entirely confident. After many months of immobilisation, the muscles in my leg have lost a great deal of strength. My brain also seems to have forgotten that walking is possible without holding on to two metal poles. I will therefore need to rebuild my confidence, balance and muscle strength gradually.

Professor Krause also gave me a prescription for an orthopaedic shoe to compensate for the difference in length between my legs. I then visited the orthopaedic specialist, who measured a difference of 2.5 centimetres. This is too great to correct entirely inside a shoe.

A special shoe will therefore be made for me. The adjustment will be divided between a one centimetre raised outer sole and a 1.5 centimetre internal correction. This solution has one welcome advantage: it should remain relatively discreet.

From mid-August, I should be able to start wearing my new shoe. If it proves successful, we will look at which of my existing shoes can be adapted. The others will probably be heading for recycling. After the crutches and knee scooter, it seems that my wardrobe must also play its part in my recovery.

For the first time in a long while, I feel a genuine sense of satisfaction. This is no longer merely cautious hope, but real and tangible progress. After such a long tunnel of recovery, the light is finally becoming visible. It may still be some distance away, but it no longer looks like a mirage. And, true to myself, I remain optimistic.

On Saturday evening, something more sociable awaits me. Nicola, our neighbour at the garden plot, is organising a barbecue for the closest neighbours with the theme of an “intercultural evening”. It is a particularly fitting choice, as the parcel holders come from many different countries and cultures.

I will be delighted to attend, this time without crutches or a knee scooter, although still accompanied by my faithful Robocop boot. Deniz, meanwhile, is working this weekend. He will therefore have to wait until the next opportunity to join us on this small culinary journey around the world.