Heather crudgington

heathercrudgington@yahoo.co.uk

My back problems started when I was quite young , through a series of falls. Over a period of more than 30 years back pain became a fact of my life and pretty much regulated my activities. I had many trips to the Doctor’s surgery and was prescribed Voltarol, Codeine Phosphate, Paracetamol and Diazepam, all of which masked the symptons and got me by.
Three years ago I had an accident at work. A laboratory chair on which I was seated collapsed and severely jerked my back. Within a week my back went into terrible spasms and I was unable to move or walk without screaming in agony.
I called out my GP who sent me to A&E by ambulance, where I was X rayed and told that I had no natural curve to my spine and given a cocktail of painkillers and relaxants. Another period away from work with the usual “Oh, another bad back.”  Unless you have experienced one you can’t appreciate the nagging continuous pain and how debilitating it is and how it rules your life.
            The final straw came for my back last summer. The constant backache was exacerbated by a trip I made to Birmingham for my Mother’s birthday. As I got out of bed in the hotel my legs went from under me and I truly thought I would never walk again. I had a nightmare journey home on the train with an elderly Mother and two large suitcases. Fortunately the stewards on the train were really helpful. Next day my GP recommended that I see a Consultant at the hospital. My first appointment was such a relief – Mr. Krishna understood and explained my problem and arranged X rays and a MRI scan.
My holidays were approaching and I was advised that an injection into my spine would be a temporary solution. I went into the Woodlands Hospital at Darlington and had the injection, which is administered in the operating theatre and does not really hurt. It gave me relief for 3 – 4 weeks and got me through my holiday in France.

I started on a course of physiotherapy to build up core stability. I had

another consultation with Mr Krishna after my holidays and it was concluded that surgery would be the best way forward

            On Thursday October 14th, I went into the Woodlands Hospital and left on the following Sunday, a mere 4 days. The hospital bit was obviously painful but once I got home I did not look back. Each day that went by I got stronger and stronger and it was such a relief to have got rid of the bad pain. The post op trauma was easy by comparison – a small loss of sensation in the toes of my right foot which is now resolved.
Three weeks after surgery I attended my first spinal support group meeting and was able to walk in confidently and relatively pain free. Four months down the line things are almost back to normal. I have hung up my walking sticks. I have had a course of physiotherapy for rehabilitation and now am on just a few maintenance exercises. I have retired from work now but that had nothing to do with my back. I am free to pursue other interests with an energy and enthusiasm that I would never have believed possible a year ago. I remember telling Mr. Krishna that he was a magician – he certainly transformed my life and I am so grateful to him for his understanding of the problem and his surgical expertise.