#getmikehome

I had been suffering and living with chronic pain since July 2008 still working a very manual job and supporting my family, after years of visiting my GP he failed to refer me for a much needed MRI scan, eventually in June 2014 after displaying a new symptom of weakness in one of my legs I was sent for MRI  and within 48 hours received the devastating news that I had a tumour in my spinal cord later identified as an Ependymoma. Due to the tumour being quite wide within my spine it also caused a build up of my spinal cord fluid which backed from the tumour site at T7 up to my brain stem, this was called a Syrinx & was as dangerous as the tumour!I was referred immediately to a neurosurgeon and within one week I underwent over 8 hours in surgery to remove the tumour at The Walton Centre, Merseyside. 
Unfortunatley due to the nerve damage caused by the years of the undiagnosed tumour followed by the surgery I have been left paralysed from the waist down with no bladder and bowel function and living with immense neuropathy pain. 
Following surgery I was referred to a rehabilitation unit and when nearing my discharge date I started to look at adaptations in my home so I could return home to my wife Kate and 8 year old daughter Mia. 
Unfortunatley we have been declined for the Government disability grant that will allow life changing adaptations to our home.  This is because my wife works. The system is really wrong and does not help the ordinary worker in any way.  
I live in a normal house with no ground floor bathroom or bedroom, and have been told that as long as I have running water in my home and a bed downstairs in the living room then I am expected to return home and live in discomfort with no dignity or comfort and to strip wash in my wheelchair.
I would really appreciate any help towards the much needed adaptations that will allow me  to try & rebuild my life with my family.
thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Mike