My Left Foot

My current visit to an orthopaedic surgeon brought some news to me: the surgeon who attempted to fix my right foot, a quarter of a century ago, died last week, on July 28, after a long and successful life.

His obituary didn't give his age, but he must have been in his late nineties. I pegged him for at least 70 when I saw him. I was one of his last patients: he retired after my surgery and follow-ups.

When my current surgeon examined my x-rays of my left foot, he asked me, "What do you do to manage your pain?"

Arthritic gels, I answered. Aleve. Tylenol. Beer. Single malts.

My foot's a mess: take a look.

Second opinions are always welcome.