Ivor McMain suffers from degenerative lumbar spine disease, coupled with slight double curvature of the spine, and associated muscle imbalance. All of which has left him with chronic lower back pain and mobility problems which became particularly intense during 2006. Although these problems could be naturally occurring, several medics suspect it may have been triggered by an incident in 1985 when Ivor was struck by a stolen vehicle whilst on duty. This is Ivor’s story.
In autumn 2006 I had to take an extended period of 3 months sick leave due to my condition, this was followed by several months of restricted duties up until my retirement in October 2007, after 30 years of service.
I have attended the PTC’s at both Harrogate and Auchterarder on several occasions, receiving first class Physiotherapy Treatment, as well as structured Exercise, Mobility and Hydro Therapy Classes.
The Treatments have always been of enormous benefit in improving my mobility and helping to reduce the pain and discomfort that afflict me in everyday life. My condition is permanent and inoperable so it is a great source of reassurance that I have been and will be able to fall back on the resources of the PTC’s to help me through tough times and work towards improving my quality of life.
In 2015 I took part in a 2 year treatment program at my Regional Hospitals Pain Management Unit. This coupled with the Treatments received at the PTC’s have now seen a marked improvement in my condition. Indeed I have gone from barely being able to walk a few yards with the aid of crutches and having to use a wheelchair for anything longer, to being able to walk and cycle for several miles. I could not have achieved this without the help of the team at the PTC and the use of their fantastic facilities every 1-2 years. I used to be a keen hill walker before my condition prevented this and I am hoping in the not too distant future, with the assistance of the PTC’s to once again be able to “Bag a Munro” and undertake some long distance cycle trips.
The centres have provided a calm environment where I could escape the noise of everyday life and concentrate on improving my condition. The social side of being able to talk at length to other patients in a relaxed atmosphere has also helped improve my state of mind. Knowing you’re not alone with a chronic condition is a great moral booster.
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