"Hydrotherapy as the fulcrum of health improvement"

After a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, this chronic autoimmune condition began to rob me of mobility, energy, well-being and my life as I knew it.

I had gone from being fit and active with a responsible full-time job that I adored to being dependent on others for the most basic needs. Despite attempts with various medications, my condition deteriorated significantly and at an increasing pace. I was one of the lucky ones only waiting for 6 months for hydrotherapy by physiotherapists in Wishaw General Hospital.

Prior to starting my allocated 4 sessions, I firmly believe I was heading for a wheelchair, my body was shutting down, with a myriad of symptoms and the tumours on my knees made walking at times impossible. The pain was almost always a constant 10 particularly at night and I was losing muscle mass and flexibility at an alarming rate.

From the moment my body hit the warm water, being able to access the pool due to the professional guidance and assistance that was available I felt for the first time in over two years some relief.

I may never 'recover' but the difference in my mobility and pain relief is nothing short of remarkable. I have been dedicated and practise the exercises using aids in a local pool. This is not the same as having supervision, guidance and a programme tailored for my own needs but it helps between the allocated sessions. I have regained an interest in life that I had lost. This is due to the help given to me by this physio service.I am very grateful for the time, care and patience shown by Lauren, the Physiotherapist.

I genuinely believe that more people would benefit from these sessions if they were available and not like 'hens teeth'. I have been informed that a local new build hospital will not even have this provision of a pool designed to aid those who need it. This beggars belief as surely with the pressure on our precious NHS resources now more than ever is a time to refocus on wellness rather than keeping people ill.

I had begun to lose my will to live prior to the hydrotherapy sessions as I had an ever-decreasing quality of life. I could not remember what it was like to move my limbs without torturous pain or massive restriction.

The hydro sessions and the carefully planned exercises have given me more than I could have dreamt of, allowing me to maintain some form of independence that had totally gone.

I firmly believe if I had this hydrotherapy support earlier I would not be in the state I am now. The services of rheumatology and hydrotherapy have worked together on this as best they can and within the parameters allowed. More needs to be done to support patients and join up the various services to ensure they communicate well and easily with a focus on helping people be as well as they can be.

The service provided in Wishaw General Hospital is second to none and should be more readily available to those who like myself need it.

Four sessions is really not enough, especially trying to stave off the progressive nature of conditions like my own. At times, it's like trying to hold back the tide.