Day 339! Well, today’s the day! It’s time to hear what the fracture clinic has to say about my foot. I was hoping for some good news, and I guess I received fairly good news, but not as amazing as I’d hoped based on how it was feeling. BUT nonetheless, everything is alright and I ended up having a very late and exhausting work shift to round out my day.

I woke up this morning to my alarm at 8:30am and got slowly ready for my day. I was heading to the fracture clinic at around 11:40am (for a 12:30pm appointment). My friend Will was going to come pick me up and drive me, so I ate breakfast and read a bit as I waited for him to show up.

Will eventually came and we set off on our adventure to the town of Grafton, which is just shy of an hour southwest of Yamba. But in Grafton, there’s a larger hospital, which has a fracture clinic, which is why I was referred there.

The drive was actually fairly scenic, with lots of beautiful farm fields, old trees, and farm animals roaming about.

We made it to the hospital just a few minutes past 12:30pm and I got all checked in. After a short wait, the doctor was ready to see me! As I suspected, it was a quick visit (I had a feeling we’d be driving longer than staying at the doctor). I actually got to see the X-rays, from the first hospital visit, this time around… I couldn’t even see the fracture! He told me I didn’t need surgery and as long as I wear the boot for the next 4 weeks while doing my regular activities, I’ll be good to go back to not wearing it!

I might experience discomfort in the spot over the 6 months following, but he said that’s normal and the bone is just continuing to heal. January 3rd, I’ll be heading back to Grafton to hopefully hear the good news that I’ll be good to stop using the brace! It’ll be a nice new years present to get back in the water and enjoy Yamba to the fullest!

After the appointment, Will and I drove around town and he pointed out various buildings on the Main Street of Grafton. We then drove to a town next door called Ulmarra, where Will knew of a nice pub to get lunch and a beer at.

We had a beautiful view of the Clarence River, which is known for having its fair share of sharks in it. I still haven’t seen one yet! There were also a ton of water lizards roaming around and a tree behind where I was sitting was filled with flying foxes… aka very large, noisy bats!

We then spent the rest of the ride just chit chatting. Will, as I’ve said many times, is an incredible friend to have. He’s been super helpful driving me around and also a fun guy to hang out with! I’m glad I met him!

Next up, was a few hour wait for work. To fill the time, I devoured more of the book Oathbringer. I can’t suggest this series enough. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson is a must read for fantasy lovers.

Work rolled around and I had to put the book down and hobble my way up the hill. It was a hot day out and I was sweating by the time I got up the hill… and pretty much the rest of the work shift too.

Tonight was the busiest Friday night we’ve had in a while! We had a few blues bands playing and lots of people came out to listen and drink. I ended up working from 5pm almost all the way to 1am with a 30 minute break where I had dinner.

At one point in the night, the head of the bistro came over with a plate of fish and chips and asked if I wanted it. I guess it was a miss order. So I got a to go box and put it in our cool room to take home for a free meal later!

The night kept being busy all the way to close. Interestingly enough, my foot was uncomfortable, but not where the fracture was. I think the boot is starting to get worked in and not as cushioned anymore… so that’ll be something to keep an eye on and make sure it’s comfortable for a work shift (if I can).

But, I survived (and had a fun time) and happily sat down after the shift and chatted with my coworkers.

One of them gave me a ride down the hill and after taking a shower, I plopped into bed, exhausted, and passed out for the night.

I’m glad that I was able to get some good news from the doctor. Obviously I was hoping to hear him say less time in the boot, BUT at least I don’t need surgery!

Here’s to another 4 weeks of walking on the moon…

– Elie