<p>In this article, the author describes the childhood accident that was to have a huge impact on the rest of his life. He explains both the physical and psychological damage it caused, and how these combined to pose challenges to his subsequent experiences with the healthcare system. The author outlines the development of his diabetic foot ulcers, made complicated by the injuries sustained in the accident. He attributes the eventual successful management of his ulcers to a process of empowerment, assisted by care at a specialist wound clinic.</p>