Help Mend Bob

Bob here.

The last year has thrown more challenges at us, than most people experience in a lifetime.

Losing my Mum was heartbreaking, but having to deal with all the things that followed without her proved really difficult.

I've been the main carer for Cath (my wife) since she was diagnosed with Severe Heart Failure 11 yrs ago. Her symptoms and condition have progressively worsened and she suffers daily collapse and has many mobility issues.

A week after my Mums funeral I began getting leg pains, followed by numbness from the waist down. 2 months later I was told I needed Emergency Surgery to remove a large cyst at the base of my Spine which sat in the middle of my Nerve Canal. The pain has been intense.

The surgery involved removing bone from a vertebrae to get the cyst out and release the nerve

Post surgery our family unit has struggled and we've relied heavily on friends and what little family we have left for support.

Cath continues to fall, and I'm unable to assist because I haven't recovered.

A recent MRI Scan revealed that the nerve had been released and the surgery was a success, but in reality I'm still unable to walk properly at times and I require a walking stick.

The pain is cruel and it is stopping me from carrying out daily activities. Coping with Caths condition is so difficult and everyday life is proving to be a real task.

I have a strong pain threshold but I honestly cannot stand this pain any longer.

The GPs have upped my Morphine and added further pain relief meds, but they're not even touching the sides.

The Physiotherapists have told me I've got tendon issues and something called GTPS.

and A&E have told me the MRI revealed bulging discs, arthritis and soft tissue damage which have all be aggravated by the surgery at the same time, to cause the 'Perfect Storm'

The GP then diagnosed me with something else, so I honestly do not know which way to turn for advice for revovery.

Being the main carer for Cath, I really want to get back to as much normality as possible.

This is having a huge affect on my Mental Health. I'm usually really active, swimming in cold lakes or running Half Marathons. So being stuck indoors for months on end has had a huge impact on me.

We have encountered further family bereavements making this whole situation even more unbearable.

I need to get better. I want to be able to help Cath again, and I want to be able to have some fun with the kids again.

I don't know whether I'm coming or going with the NHS at the moment. I've been told 4 different things from as many medical professionals.

I've looked into getting a Private Consultation at The Park Hospital in Burntstump. A consultation would cost £300 and every appointment afterwards would cost £175.

I'd like somebody at The Park Hospital to either look at the results of my MRI or do another one, because I need to know exactly what I'm dealing with so I can get a clear plan moving forwards.

Would anybody be willing to chip in a few pounds to help fund the consultations/treatment at The Park so I can get better quicker?

I really want some normality back in my life and get back to work.

(Yes - I did just say that)