On Wednesday 1st July, it’ll be 28 weeks since the accident, 19 weeks since we made the decision to go ahead with the shoulder replacement, and 3 weeks since the surgery. In another week, physio will begin, starting the journey back to full mobility – or as close to that as I can get. My goal is to return to Lyon at 43 weeks to continue the interrupted journey. The coming three months promise some hard work.

Back in November, at my visit to Minor Injuries the day after we got home from France, it became clear that the damage was extensive and that the prognosis for pinning and plating was not good. Shoulder replacement was discussed at that time as the surgeon on duty realised that I was fit and active and that I would be unlikely to be happy with the reduced range of motion after healing. He paved the way by organising a CT scan while I was there, ‘to save me having to come back’. A few days later I met the head ‘Shoulder Consultant’. We made the decision to allow the shoulder time to heal by itself for a while, and see what happened. That would also allow the nerves time to repair. But the option of replacement was kept open.

So – it healed. The body did its best, but the bits healed awkwardly, with restricted movement and ongoing pain. The nerves are still mending, and are at about 90% now, which is brilliant.

There was so much to think about before making the decision. Maybe I could have adapted to the reduced range, maybe the pain would get better. But – it was likely I would get arthritis in the damaged joint, and there was the possibility that it might just break down completely. Do it now, or wait until something happens 5 or 10 years hence, when I’m 5 or 10 years older? Do it now.

I set about pre-hab, trying to make the shoulder muscles as strong as possible before surgery for a faster re-hab.

My first operation date in May was cancelled with a couple of days notice because of overload at the hospital. My second date, three weeks later, went ahead. No complications, and I got home the following day.

The pain after the operation was manageable, unlike that after the accident. I didn’t take any opioids after I got home, and was able to stop the paracetamol after 10 days. To be honest, a small glass of red before dinner does far more for body and soul. For me, anyway.

The wound has healed well, and quickly. The bruises were spectacular, but are fading now. I’ve been doing the prescribed gentle exercises without any problems. The follow-up appointment last Friday showed no issues, and I’m due to go back again in 4 weeks for another check. The general anaesthetic has caused some lingering fatigue (how dare it?), and I’ve discovered gradients on my daily walks that never registered before. I’m working on it. The shoulder is feeling good, and I’m more than ready to start the rehab; in fact, going a little stir-crazy following instructions and allowing everything to heal. A little bit (OK, quite a lot) scared of pushing too hard and causing damage. Physio next week. Can’t wait.

The skill and compassion of all the professionals that have cared for and supported me through this has been phenomenal. Angels without wings, all. This is our National Health Service.