# Dealing with Unforeseen Twists: A Personal Medical Journey
Life has a remarkable way of presenting us with unforeseen obstacles. Just yesterday, I shared that there wouldn’t be a *Renaissance Mathematicus* article this week due to my planned inpatient neurological assessment. However, as destiny—or perhaps the universe’s playful nature—would have it, things didn’t unfold as intended.
## A Prolonged History of Health Challenges
For over two decades, I have been contending with progressively deteriorating orthopedic issues, primarily involving my spine and pelvis. My mobility challenges have now escalated to the point where I am officially designated as 90% severely disabled. The bright side? This classification permits me free access to all public transport throughout Germany—a minor comfort amid an otherwise constricting condition.
Last October, I consulted a scoliosis expert. After examining my X-rays, CT scans, and medical records, he reached an unexpected conclusion: my core problems seemed to be neurological rather than solely orthopedic. His suggestion? An extensive inpatient neurological evaluation at a specialized facility. My general practitioner referred me for the evaluation, and after some administrative delays, I eventually secured my appointment.
## Careful Arrangements—Until Fate Intervened
With my admission scheduled for 9:40 AM, I meticulously organized my trip. Since the clinic is about fifty kilometers away, I opted for a direct train from Erlangen. The day prior, I engaged in careful preparations: packing my bags, arranging documents (why leave it to the last moment?), and booking a taxi to take me to the station.
The morning of the trip started off quite well. I woke up early, enjoyed a light breakfast, gathered my belongings, and found myself outside at 7:40 AM, awaiting my taxi, expected at 7:45 AM. But, naturally, no taxi was in sight. A tinge of panic set in as the minutes passed. The driver finally arrived nearly ten minutes late, but we managed to make it to the station on time.
As fate would have it, my train was right on schedule. I placed my suitcase, found a seat, and settled in with a book for the forty-five-minute journey. This was a local train, making stops at nearly every small town along the route. Finally, I could relax—until my phone rang.
## The Call That Altered Everything
“Hello, this is the clinic,” said the voice on the line. “I’m sorry, but we’ve had an influx of emergency admissions, and we can’t accommodate you today!”
For a brief moment, I was dumbfounded. Was this some sort of bizarre prank? A postponed appointment would have been comprehensible, but a total cancellation *while* I was on my way was incredibly frustrating.
Left with no alternatives, I disembarked at the next major station and took the return train home, contemplating the absurdity of the situation. And so, here I am, back at my desk, recounting today’s events instead of partaking in the eagerly awaited examination.
## Looking Forward
Although this unforeseen setback means there won’t be a *Renaissance Mathematicus* post as originally intended, I remain cautiously hopeful that things will go as planned next week. My new admission date is confirmed for next Thursday at 10:00 AM—unless further cosmic antics occur.
**What have I learned?** No level of preparation can entirely protect us from the unpredictable whims of the universe. The best course of action is to persist, adjust, and perhaps—when feasible—find humor in life’s oddities.
Stay tuned. I hope to write next week’s post *after* my long-overdue stay at the clinic!