"Back on my feet thanks to physios"

This time last year I started to fall without any apparent reason. 

I thought I may have been diabetic but had convinced myself that it was something that would go away if I stopped eating sugar. 

The falls continued and I realised I had to do something. 

First things first- I didn’t have a GP so I registered with a local practice. 

The doctor was quick to identify my health issues but to be honest it was late in the day. 

Within a few weeks I was admitted to RVH with a severe chest infection. 

I stayed there for around 9 days but my health continued to deteriorate even after discharge.

The medication for diabetes type 2 was beginning to work and with a low or  no sugar low carb diet my blood sugar levels were good.

But the real problem was my mobility, over those months it severely declined and because of general weakness I found it difficult to walk with confidence.

One day in September 2023 I'd cycled 80 miles, then in December 2023 I left hospital using a wheel chair. 

I went to stay in a care home at Nazareth Care Village and it was there that I was introduced to physiotherapists, the physio was from Knockbracken, she was called Shona

I had thought their work was to get people to exercise more!

I was wrong 

They began at a very basic level, slowly but surely I progressed from using a chair to furniture walk, crutches, walking canes and eventually to one cane. 

I left the care home in July 2023 to care for myself in every respect. 

I was then seen by Jody the physio at Ardarragh Resource Centre in Downpatrick

The physios applied their knowledge, experience and expertise to put be back on my feet.

Today (December 23) I walk unaided using an ankle brace which gives great confidence, but it was the work of the physios who have made the real difference, they restored my confidence in the routines and exercises they used to make me physically stronger. 

I really admire what they did and will be always grateful to them for what they did for me THANK YOU