September 19th, 2024

Yesterday, I went to see my surgeon to get an update on the progress of my foot problem, which is becoming increasingly painful. It’s now been nearly 18 months that this foot has been causing me trouble and limiting my mobility, making this period particularly depressing.

At first, the specialists had planned to implant a rod passing through the ankle and anchored into the tibia, a complex and rather uncommon operation. But after analysing the images from my SPECT scan, they changed their strategy. They’re concerned that with the current situation, the rod might move slightly during motion, which could worsen the problems in the long run.

So, I’m scheduled for surgery on 14th October to have the screws and plate removed. I’ll need to stay in hospital for around five days before being discharged with a cast. Three weeks later, a second operation is planned: a bone graft will be done and a larger plate will be fitted, which will better encase the foot and leg, providing much greater rigidity than the current solution. This procedure will require a week in hospital, followed by 12 weeks in a cast, then rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

It’s quite a daunting prospect, as my mobility is already very limited and having to undergo surgery again is not what I had hoped for. Wearing a cast for four months will demand a lot of patience! But if this is the right solution, then we must stay optimistic. Fortunately, the recovery period will be during winter, which is less challenging than if it were in summer.

Knowing this operation was likely, I decided to renovate my kitchen and bathroom during my hospital stay. After contacting three companies, I placed an order last Friday. One candidate, a local carpenter with whom I had hoped to work to support local craftsmanship and use nearby materials, never sent a formal quote, only a rough sketch, which was disappointing.

The other two were a large appliance chain and a company specialising in kitchens and bathrooms. The first offered standard solutions that didn’t really meet my specific needs or provide much input. The company I eventually chose, IDEA Küchen (https://idea-kuechen-und-bad.ch/) convinced me with their innovative ideas, use of modern materials, and the assurance that the final result would meet my expectations.

In the bathroom, the bathtub will be removed and replaced by a walk-in shower. In the kitchen, the layout of appliances and plumbing will change slightly but will remain broadly similar to what I have now.

The work will start in mid-October and should be completed by mid-November. I’ve begun packing my things, a good opportunity to sort through and get rid of what I no longer need.

Since I won’t be able to live in my flat during the renovations, I’ll be staying with my mother. However, her house isn’t really suited to my situation with a cast and crutches: there are several steps, and my bedroom is upstairs. But between the two operations, I’ll mostly be bedridden and won’t need to go up and down stairs frequently. After the second surgery, I’ll finally be able to move into my freshly renovated flat. My mother is over 93, and I’m keen not to be an extra burden on her.

To end on a happier note, I received a photo last week of Aïssa, the son of the manager of the Atlas View camp near Ouarzazate, where I had a fantastic time during my trip in Morocco. Aïssa was born on 6th September.