Rachel Thompson spine surgery patient

Rachel Thompson had been through the wringer when it came to her back problems. A host of specialists offered a mixture of advice which did not often fit with the pain she was feeling. She talks about the confusion and anxiety and how trust with professionals was critical in her recovery.

They discussed:

0:28 - When did it all start. My back went! Where did it go?
1:47 - Who were the different people you saw? 
3:01 - No alignment between how you feel and what you’re hearing. You don’t know what to do and you feel alone.
7:00 - Your goals change to not be pain.
8:12 - Finally found a good physio. Pain was brought under control.
11:40 - Back to full training BUT still needing treatment to control symptoms. Symptoms returned.
14:45 - Pain reached new levels and scans were advised. GP and private route followed for quickest access.
18:55 - What was first surgeon interaction like?
21:18 - Did the surgeon prepare you for what was coming post procedure? So many worries and questions.
23:10 - Up and going after 12 weeks seemed too quick. Went downhill after the 12 weeks. Walking started to deteriorate plus pain.
26:58 - Back with physio and surgeon. Faith was failing in surgeon. Better guidance was required. Too much trust in the guidance being given.
30:43 - Where are you now? Avoided another surgery.
31:25 - What do you know now but wished you’d known earlier?
32:30 - It’s a lonely experience. You need to find people that understand.