I am 71 years old. Twenty five years ago I like many others, lifted a weight the wrong way and gave myself back problems.

I have had back pain ever since and took medication whenever I had physical work or sports activities to do. I have always taken a pride in being fit and healthy and had an active life playing golf, football, cricket and skiing on snow and water.

In 2005 I parked the car and went shopping in town. On completing this I attempted to return to the car park and found my legs were becoming numb. It took me quite a time to reach the car and then home.

I made an appointment to see my doctor who directed me to North Tees and Mr. Krishna.

After tests were carried out we had a review. I was told what my problems were, and I asked what my options were and quickly came the reply “you haven’t any as from now you are on my emergency list for an operation”. I was then informed if the operation was not done I would quickly loose, or be not able to control some of my bodily functions. Not good news to me.

As can be imagined I agreed and was scheduled to have surgery on the 1st February 2005, consisting of a L4/L5 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and decompression, of which I completely understood.

After many hours in surgery , the next day Mr. Krishna had his morning rounds, he came to my bed and asked how I was and “mistakenly I said I was fine” and to that he said, “Then why are you in bed!”. I asked if he was joking but by then knew he wasn’t, I got out of bed and slowly without help walked round the bed.
That day changed my life, as the only pain killers I have taken since were to help me overcome the surgery; I no longer take any medication for back pain and play golf at least three times a week.

I did have to go back into surgery a year later to have the “Scaffolding” or pins and plates removed and since then have had no problems with my spine or pain. I walk many miles now and don’t worry on how far I can go or how much I will suffer afterward. I now take note of the other things or situations around me, and how well I feel.

Thanks to the work of Mr. Krishna, his team and North Tees Hospital staff I no longer think that the pain I was going through was because “that’s what happens to all old people” especially if you have taken part in many sporting activities when we were younger.

I now work out on a regular basis which is a most important part of the rehabilitation process and I did not realise how important it was or is, and will be for me going forward in my everyday life.

I recommend anyone who is afraid of surgery of this kind as I was, to acknowledge from individuals like myself and others the benefits it brings. Attend the meetings which are planned and held at North Tees Hospital for pre and after surgery to hear the experiences and give reassurance that is most needed at the time. Thank you again.