Spinal surgery for Suzanne x

Shwmae!

My name is Helen and I live in South Wales, in a little town called Ammanford. I wish to share the story of a wonderful woman by the name of Suzanne, or to those who know her dearly, Suz!

Suzanne is a community midwife, who also works in the Carmarthenshire area. Over the course of her career, Suzanne has cared for hundreds of families, ranging right the way from England, all across South Wales! Over the span of her working life, she has dedicated over 30 years of her career to the maternity services for the National Health Service - providing support to women, families and helping the safe arrival of god knows how many babies into the world, imparting her experience and wisdom onto others, helping to shape the future of midwifery.

Unfortunately, due to reasons outside of her control, she has been unable to do the work she loves so dearly, due to severe chronic ill health.

Since the month of May 2023, Suzanne has been suffering with extremely complex spinal and nerve issues, which became apparent following a road traffic accident. Since this accident, Suz, through sheer determination, had somehow managed to remain in work until August 2024. However, since then, her condition has worsened drastically. Suz has undergone a multitude of tests, referrals and a range of treatments, both medically and holistically, with no real cause to explain her current condition. It has recently become evident however, that she is going to require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation moving forward, with the hope, to improve her current condition.

The extreme pressure currently on the NHS means she continues to live in pain daily, with only pain medication to try and manage the symptoms. The chronic pain she lives with day in and day out, has left Suzanne house bound, unable to drive, unable to walk short distances most days, unable to have her independence which as you can only imagine, has caused significant physical and emotional trauma. But the worst of it all, she has been unable to continue her role as a midwife within the NHS, which she adores deeply, with all her heart.

The pressures on the NHS as described, mean Suzanne will be subjected to wait years before surgery through the NHS is even a possibility. Although we are so incredibly lucky as a nation to have access to free healthcare, Suzanne's physical and mental wellbeing, will not be able to endure such a timescale. She will lose her income through her job, but also, she will lose her registration to practice as a midwife. Suzanne wishes more than anything, to be able to return to her work, and to regain her independence again, but also, to one day live a life with as little pain as possible.

Suzanne has exhausted all channels during this battle, in trying to get her official diagnosis and treatment for over 9 months, since her condition sadly worsened. During these past 9 months, Suzanne almost each day, has been contacting medical secretaries, contacting local GP'S, trialing experimental treatment, trying a multitude of holistic therapies, basically anything she can - to essentially try and manage her pain, while she awaits a plan from her doctor. However, as already explained, the NHS is in a position where timescales are long and treatment is but a glimmer in the distance.

Suzanne has already approached her local MP regarding her situation, who is in complete shock that there is no urgency to try and support NHS workers, back into their NHS roles! Suzanne has been reassured, that her situation will be raised with both the chief executives of Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Suzanne is in a very difficult position. To use what mental and physical energy she has remaining, to try to continue to fight a battle she may not even win, and be met with 'no' each time, is breaking her soul, particularly as a person who in her own role, goes above and beyond to support her own women throughout the whole of their pregnancy.

Suzanne must use what physical and mental strength she has, for positivity, for good, for hope. She is in no fighting position right now, for a battle of justice. She wishes to focus her energy, on getting herself well, as soon as physically possible, and focusing on getting back to work, where once improved, she can then address getting her voice heard and eventually, justice to the mismanagement of her health thus far.

Suzanne is a woman of pure resilience, and from a young age, has had to overcome more than any one person should have to face in one lifetime. And those nearest and dearest to her, will know the hardships she has had to undertake. She never wishes to be a burden, never wants to ask for help, and will never make a fuss. Those who know Suzanne and are closest to her, know for certain I am sure, that she has endured more than enough.

So, I am asking for those who know, love and support Suzanne, even if you do not know her personally, but can resonate with her situation and her story - to join me in getting her the private help, necessary treatment and the surgery she absolutely, wholeheartedly deserves.

Suzanne is one of the most resilient, strong, courageous and wonderful women I have ever known. She has given her whole life, to caring, empowering and lifting others up when they feel they no longer have the strength. It's time for Suzanne to be shown that same kindness and to be given the strength to push through. Therefore, I am calling on those who feel the same, to please show Suzanne how worthy she is and to please help, in whatever way you can, towards getting her the private treatment she is so incredibly desperate to have.

I ask this, not only to help Suzanne regain her life, her independence and her income, but also, to help her return back to the role she adores, her work as a midwife within the community, where she can continue to provide compassionate care to women, families and guidance to the future generations of midwives to come.

To those who have taken the time to listen to her story, thank you so much. And to those who are able to contribute to further treatment and private surgery, it would be so greatly received and appreciated! We hope, by receiving spinal surgery, her condition will improve over time and Suzanne will be able to resume, as far as possible, her life as usual. It will not be an easy journey, but a journey absolutely worth the risk, to hopefully get her life back. Thank you for your time and patience.

Much love,

Helen x