Gradually, over many painstaking months, I have been improving. Today I was out on one of my twice-daily walks, striding purposefully at a fairly robust clip through my neighbourhood, and a woman I've seen a couple of times called out:

"You're doing amazing!"

She apparently also goes for frequent walks in our area. She said that when she first saw me, about a year and four months ago (eight months after my injury), I looked like I was in significant pain and appeared to be "walking on eggshells." But she said she could tell how determined I was and that she knew I would get better. She says she prayed for me, and that I now look great.

It's true that I have made major gains. I feel far better than I did early on (and for many months). I'm not fully recovered (maybe 85%+), but I am pretty far along and have regained much of my former functionality. Recent developments include adding hours at work and an exercise routine (brisk walking on treadmill).