@soby
I went to A&E last December with severe back symptoms. Thye gave me a full MRI and it showed that while a bone spur has developed in my neck that was causing the pain, I don't need surgery right now.

The nerve pain form my lumbar and sacral spine, is from impimgment of a nerve and has caused foot drop with weakness in my left leg, because of the location of my injury, surgery carries a risk of paralysis, so the safest path is to care for my spine gently. In the UK doctors only recommend surgery if it is absolutely necessary, they are not driven by money here as our healthcare is not via insurance. I'm at one of the best hospitals in the UK for neurologial injuries and the servcie is exceptional!

I had to advocate for myself by changing my GP surgery that I have been with for over 30 years, and change hospitals. I did that by reseraching everything about my conditions so when they recommended treatments and I knew there weren't of any benefit to me I quoted them the research reference so they knew they couldn't just pump me full of drug and offer treatments that were of no use to me. I get more holisitc care now under my new doctor and the new hospital.

I now navigate my daily life with a mix of gentle movement: low-impact exercise, walking, Tai Chi, Qigong, acupuncture, cupping, and hydrotherapy, TENS machine and breath work. These give me temporary relief, and I am grateful for every bit of comfort they bring! I also invest in seeing a therapist, which gives me a safe space to care for my mental health.

My pain changes and grows over time, but my mind remains resilient. Keeping a strong, healthy mindset is my absolute superpower currently. I turn 60 in October, I refuse to give up on my goals, I’m actually preparing to apply for a Master’s degree to study pain science so I can help find real answers for our community. :))

My story isn't over, and I still have so much more to do.

Calm, x