I require spinal disc prosthesis to keep working & active

Hi there,

For those of you who don’t already know, I’m sharing something personal, in the hope that it might bring understanding and solidarity in terms of the chronic pain I’ve suffered over the last 8 years.

In 1999, when I was 19, I suffered a major spinal injury. A discectomy saved me from losing function in my legs, and for almost twenty years I did well — despite flare-ups, I managed to keep working, build Delphian, and actively pursued an active life, following advice to keep fit and maintain a strong core.

During the 2020 lockdown, I injured myself again. An MRI was done, but for reasons that are still painful to consider, the results weren’t communicated to me. I was never told that the same disc operated on in 1999 had seriously degenerated and herniated. I got on with things — family, deadlines, recording sessions — all while enduring increasing episodes of pain over the next five years. I had to stop running. I could no longer attend the gym. I last picked up Samuel early February — I picked him up from his travel cot and ended up unable to walk for a week.

In April this year, things properly unravelled. A major herniation during a recording trip left me barely able to walk. Herniated disc material has ‘migrated superiorly’ — it’s pushed out from the disc and travelled up my spinal cord, compressing along the way. I now have severe nerve compression and muscle atrophy in my left leg. The pain is constant. I find crutches helpful and obviously I can’t lift Samuel at all.

Surgery is essential — nerve damage can become permanent beyond 12 weeks. I’ve consulted with specialists across Europe and identified the surgeon I have chosen to help — a leading surgeon in Düsseldorf (Dr Schmitz), with experience revising complex spinal cases like mine. (In the UK we are only offered fusion of vertebrae which puts stress on adjacent vertebrae and results in multiple future surgeries.) I’m due to have Artificial Disc Replacement there 1st August, and I’ve cancelled all work commitments until November.

This has been a tough time, and not just physically. There is frustration, fear, and sadness. The fact that I’m of no use round the house is a challenge for my family. The surgery terrifies me — L4/5 area of the spine carries most risk of complications (best not conveyed here).

But there’a also hope. I’ve been deeply moved by the encouragement of friends, colleagues and my artists. It is to be hoped this surgery rejuvenates me to my 1999 height and physical experiences.

Hopefully I’ll be off the radar for a very limited time from August 1st. I need to spend 7 days in Germany post op and then 3 months rest in Scotland. At 6 months the vertebrae are considered to have grown over the prosthesis and at 12 months things are as good as they can get and full physical activity is possible. 70% of competitive athletes get back to their sport.

Fingers crossed.

Thank you for reading.