I hurt my back lifting and at first thought I’d pulled a muscle. I went to my GP who sent me for an X-ray and then for an MRI Scan.

I was in agony and found it hard to walk a couple of steps without going into spasm. It wasn’t just me that was suffering – it affected the whole family. It was difficult to do even the simplest things like lifting a kettle. I ended up like a recluse because I didn’t want to spoil anyone else’s life with my back problems.

After I had surgery it was as if I’d been given someone else’s body. The pain had gone and I literally got my life back. I could actually go out and enjoy myself.

Family life is brilliant now. We go out a lot and I look after my grandson every weekend’.