not making a fuss...

My foot seems to have been broken for about 5 weeks, I think. I just thought the pain was due to worse trouble than usual with the joint in my big toe - arthritis and degeneration of the bone and joint (I saw the x-rays of this about 4 years ago - I used to be a radiographer back in the steam driven days at the end of the 60s so they let me look at the film).

I have a vague memory of banging into the bathroom scales on a barely awake nocturnal trip. (The joys of aging). Must have been then. There was some swelling and my bedding hurt when it touched the top of the foot, keeping me awake - more joys of aging, thought I. So during the last few weeks I've been struggling up Lakeland fells, not spoiling visitors' holidays, hobbling about in pain, Not Making A Fuss - fortunately I have some new climbing boots which are very supportive (my previous ones having come apart after 20 years). Worth every penny, I should say!

It was only when I went to the podiatrist last week to get it checked out, so as not to bother the doctor, that she told me. It's one of the metatarsals, which take a long time to heal (like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, but with some obvious differences). If it isn't better in a couple more weeks I may need it plastering - it's just strapped firmly for now. Not a lot of walking meditation going on! Can I take it easy, friends ask? No chance.

Ah, the joys of the impermanent body...