My Left Foot

(and the right one too)

There was a hit movie by the name “My Left Foot”.

Daniel Day Lewis played the Oscar winning role of a real life guy who could only move his left foot. He was paralyzed elsewhere.

In my case, an accident did the opposite.

This is how it appeared in the police chatter:

“Appeal for witnesses: Serious traffic crash, Nundah

QPS Media on Sep 26, 2024 @ 3:54pm

Police are appealing for witnesses following a traffic crash involving a car and pedestrian in Nundah yesterday, September 25.

Initial investigations indicate at approximately 6.30pm, a crash occurred near the intersection of Union Street and Buckland Road involving a blue Holden Commodore and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a man in his 60s, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The driver remained on scene, and is continuing to assist police with investigations.

Investigators are appealing for anyone in the area at the time of the incident, who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401649534”

That pedestrian in the item above was me with “serious injuries”. I am now suffering the consequences. 

Executive lament: Usually I read the bad news. Now, I have become the bad news.

This was the result of that accident.

The car, instead of stopping at the T-junction, accelerated and ran over me. My head bounced on the bonnet of the car, my glasses went flying. Then the front wheels ran over my left leg breaking it in half.

Notice that my glasses stayed intact. I reckon it will be a great advertisement for the makers of those glasses.

Now I have a long rod going all the way from my left knee to my left ankle. That piece is going to stay embedded in my body forever.

That means every time I go through any airport, I will set off the alarms. What a nuisance. 

That little piece on the right foot is a K-wire - named after German surgeon Martin Kircschner. It holds the foot bones together. After three weeks, it needs to come out. Mine was a long one. The surgeon was not sure it would come out easily and cleanly. If it is dirty, it implies infections inside - not a good sign. Eventually, I coaxed him into taking it out without anesthetic! I wanted to know exactly where it hurt inside so that I know if there are infections. It came out clean. The doctor was so happy that he held it up like a sacred relic for everyone to see.

Right foot has two screws embedded in the ankle. I am literally screwed on my right foot. It may stay for life - or - if I am lucky (and alive), it could come out in one year.

Executive frustration: Just a few weeks ago, I could waltz out of my door and walk down the street. Now it seems like a distant dream. Will I ever walk again?

I will certainly not be able to do this. [Not a trick photo. Nor is there any AI involved.]

Now this photo just haunts me.