Having things under control is your main defence. A powerful defence it is, too. That's how you can function so well in spite of the pain.

But it can also be a barrier to healing. The wound can fester under the cast. The cast must come off so the wound can be cleaned and drained.

Thinks: If Madame T could only put things so clearly she might have got further with me. Instead she just cut into the cast with no explanation.