I'm afraid we won't be traveling far or near anytime soon. My ability to make entries on the blog will be severely limited.
I need to explain why this is happening:
So, this is the story of one leg:
One day in April '26, shortly before our scheduled departure for Madagascar, I was abruptly awakened from my afternoon nap by the doorbell of an unannounced student.
I jumped up from the couch as if from a sleepwalk and launched myself into the air. As I fell to the floor, I caught my right foot (the inside of it, just below my ankle, near my Achilles tendon) on the sharp edge of the sofa table.
The pain was excruciating, but I managed, and then ignored the possible consequences of the accident, treating myself with home remedies.
After two months (June '26!) of limping and suffering, I went to an orthopedist. It turned out that my Achilles tendon was severely torn and required surgery to repair it. Such a procedure is only performed shortly after the event. Now, after such a long time, it was too late for surgery. Permanent tissue changes were being discussed.
I had to accept that my right leg (calf) would be less functional. I continued to limp, but without any significant discomfort.
And so it was until, in early July, I felt pain in the area of my left Achilles tendon. Now I know it was caused by overuse of my left calf while walking with a limp...
Furthermore, my discomfort was related to poor balance while walking due to the diseased tendons, and consequently, weak calves.
I went to an orthopedist, who recommended intensive physical therapy for my left tendon.
And so, in early July, I began treating my left foot!
They say bad things come in pairs, so something else must have happened!
And so it did! On Thursday, July 16th, I went to Poznań alone for the day to attend to family matters. At the train station, on the escalator, I lost my balance and fell. And I felt a sharp crunch in my left foot!
I won't describe the agony...
After returning to Szczecin, I went to an orthopedist (on Monday), who suggested stitching up a small tear in my left Achilles tendon. Such a procedure would require a long rehabilitation period. And the results are difficult to predict!
I was offered the option of long-term treatment (3-6 months) by immobilizing the foot and calf with a specialized orthosiss (an ankle and tendon brace).
I chose the latter option...
I've had the orthosis since Tuesday, and I still can't get around on crutches...
And so, a more peaceful life has been forced upon me/us and I/we will have more time to philosophize about human existence.
I suspect, more will follow.
