September 1st, 2025

This afternoon, I had an appointment with my surgeon, Dr Flückiger. Since we have known each other for more than two years, I can immediately tell from his expression how he is feeling: he is in a good mood, which usually means good news!

We began by reviewing the results from the neurology centre: the MRI and the sensitivity tests on the nerves in my left leg. They show that the nervous system is intact and that all functions are present, although slightly weaker than in the right leg. Nothing unusual after six operations! This loss of sensitivity is generally temporary. However, the compression caused by the orthosis on my foot is affecting certain nerves and provoking this neuropathy. What matters most to my surgeon is that the nervous system remained intact.

The second point concerned the CT scan carried out last week. Compared to the one from December 2024, it shows that the ankle has stabilised in its current position and that there is no further bone deterioration. This suggests that the staphylococcus bacteria did not survive the five months of antibiotics, excellent news! Another encouraging sign is the formation of connective tissue, which usually develops only when no bacteria are present. The downside, however, is that this tissue will have to be removed if another operation takes place. Its removal is delicate, as it may cause unwanted bleeding and vascular complications.

That being said, the surgeon is planning a new operation — the seventh! — for the second half of November. In the meantime, he will discuss the CT images with other specialists, including Professor Knupp in Basel. The removal of this mass of connective tissue may require the involvement of a vascular surgeon or a microsurgeon.

The operation will involve fitting an AAN (Ankle Arthrosis Nail. The Sonnenhof hospital already carried out this procedure in July: the patient is currently recovering well and everything went smoothly.

A final consultation is scheduled for 20 October, before the operation planned after 10 November. The operating theatre will be reserved soon, as the procedure will be lengthy. The surgical team has not yet been finalised.

Dr Flückiger informed me that I should expect around three months in a cast, with near-total immobilisation. He emphasised the great patience I have shown so far and is confident that everything will go well. I appreciate his optimism, even though, in the end, it will be me who is immobilised, not him. To add to this, Deniz will begin his studies in Olten on 15 September and will move there, so he will no longer be able to help me in my daily life as he kindly did during previous operations. But we will certainly find a solution to get through those three months and more, if necessary!

I feel more impatient than relieved. I am well aware of the complexity of this operation, but if it finally brings the expected results, then once again, patience will be required.