Hi!
A tough situation without doubt.
I’m sure many people here can relate. I would be glad if you get a lot of replies.
, I can relate but many years ago. That’s why I understand how much you’re struggling.

When you mentioned that you could go for months and months without a face to face interaction, it brought me my memories of seven years of isolation I lived and I know that it can be a nightmare because you feel each day more and more stuck and out of place. And whatever psychological issue you may have, gets worse and worse.

It’s good news that you, at least, recovered yourself from the legs surgery and also it’s good news that you are open to meet people online enlarging your possibilities to create bonds.
I would tell you keep going without dropping your attention to engage into irl activities so you will have the possibility to meet more people. Whatever activity you enjoy, look for the offers your city can provide related: Theatre groups, singing groups, photograph, volunteering work, etc. whatever you enjoy doing.

The problem with online contacts you meet at places such as here, mental health forums is that people struggle too much, for example, I’m like the guy you meet. I have social anxiety.
So it’s more difficult to find an availability from people like us. Indeed, the two online contacts I have and that I know that if I phone them are gonna hang up the phone, are two normal people. And it’s worthy to keep trying. They are two marvellous persons. Only they are in different countries.
Was it easy to have these two friends? No, it took time.
The same as irl.
If you are mainly interested to have people who join activities, that’s another story and I would go with the joining to activity groups in your city or nearby.

Hope you receive lots of replies here and can share with people your age here.