September 11th. 2023

Since my last blog entry, not much has happened. I’ve continued, with patience (and at times resignation), wearing my cast despite the stifling heat this summer. I’ve been very careful not to put any strain on my leg, doing my best to help my ankle heal properly.

The tragic events in Morocco (severe earthquake) have deeply affected me, especially since I passed through the region so heavily impacted by the earthquake. I’ve reached out to several campsites and hostels where I stayed to check on them. Hôtel La Bananeraie, north of Agadir, and the campsite south of the city were unharmed. However, Camping Atlas View, near Ouarzazate, where I had an unforgettable stay, was partially damaged. The owner’s son sent me a detailed report on the condition of the building, thankfully, the whole family is safe.

What worries me more is the silence from Auberge des Arts in Ourigane, not far from Moulay Brahim, an area very close to the epicentre. This inn seems to have been badly hit. To date, my message hasn’t even been read. I sincerely hope my fears prove unfounded. As for my friends at the hospital in Midelt, no news either, but I imagine they’re dealing with far more urgent matters right now. Let’s hope King Mohammed VI quickly allows international teams to come and assist before it’s too late for some of the more remote regions.

Today, I had another appointment with my surgeon, exactly four months after my accident in Morocco. The goal was to review the progress of my ankle after the removal of the screws and plates in the last operation, a necessary step due to a bacterial infection. After an X-Ray, the verdict is in: it’s positive, and I can finally take off this cast that’s been with me all summer! A real relief.

These past months, mostly spent at home, almost immobilised and relying on my scooter to get around, have been a real challenge, both physically and mentally. Now, I’m wearing a pair of orthopaedic shoes and a compression bandage. It’s much more comfortable than the cast, although, let’s be honest, these shoes look more like biker boots than designer shoes!

My leg, however, has melted away completely. I need to relearn how to walk and get it moving again. That’s why I’m starting physiotherapy, twice a week. My first session is this afternoon at the same centre where I used to do fitness. I’ll see if I can gradually resume some gentle exercise alongside it. For now, I’m still using a crutch, which reassures me and helps me keep my balance.

And of course, no blog post would be complete without a new chapter in my ongoing saga with the KPT health insurance!

I had a prescription from my surgeon for orthopaedic shoes, a compression stocking, and help to put on the stocking. As I explained in my previous post, I went to collect this equipment from a specialist shop. The bill came to 490 francs. I immediately sent it to my insurer… who replied by refusing reimbursement, demanding proof that these items were not already covered by the invalidity insurance. An absurd request, since the invalidity insurance has nothing to do with my current situation.

Another excuse, unnecessary complications. I contacted my surgeon and the shop again, and both confirmed that the bill should indeed be covered by the health insurance. The shop even sent me the relevant legal extract clearly stating which orthopaedic devices are covered. After several exchanges and a fair amount of persistence, KPT finally agreed to reimburse me… But once again, their attitude was completely inefficient and unprofessional.

I have a feeling the next round will be about physiotherapy…