I was left with Cauda Equina Syndrome after my operation in 2009. Prior to that I had been back and forth to the GP. I was 24 at the time and working throughout the UK as an Operations Manager. On my last visit to the GP before my surgery his words were it “it could be in your head.” This played on my mind, but I kept going. The night before my surgery I was having a driving lesson and lost all feeling in my left leg whilst at the wheel. Iknow I was being silly, but I thought nothing of it because of what my GP had said previously to me. I was due another lesson the following morning and as my instructor turned up, I was being rushed away in an ambulance after collapsing at home. I do not remember much but my parents and sister informed me that I had been taken to 3 different hospitals before having my surgery in The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
I was discharged after a week with a bag of medication and a set of crutches with not a clue what was going on. I later found out that I had Cauda Equina. I had support from my family and friends but no clinical support.
I lost my job amongst all this madness. It was only when I went to visit my boyfriend Graeme that I ended up in hospital in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I was stuck in an apartment unable to move much while Graeme was at work when I found Claire and her Charity on Facebook. I was in a really low place, and she was so helpful and supportive. Just knowing others in the same position and gaining knowledge of my condition was comforting.
I was left with mobility issues, permanent nerve damage, loss of sensation in my left leg/foot, bowel & bladder issues and most recently a protruding L5/S1. Like others I am in constant pain but learnt through a pain management course how to deal and cope with it. I do notrecognise myself now but if CES has taught me anything……it is that I am stronger, more empathetic, and resilient. We carry on because we have to, that’s why I am proud to be a Cauda Equina Champion.
Fast forward to present day and my boyfriend from Newcastle is now my husband and we are living Northern Ireland with our Black Labrador Darby. I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. We would not have been together had it not been for CES. G is my biggest supporter along with my Parents and Sister. I have roped him into helping me with fundraising and coffee mornings to meet fellow champions.
I hope I can continue to help this amazing charity and spread awareness in Northern Ireland. Even If I can just give a glimmer of hope to someone struggling and show them you are not alone like Claire did with me all those years ago, it will be worth it all.
Ps I finally faced my feared after 12 years and I am driving now!
