"Physio support is all so worthwhile and rewarding"

When I was released from Southampton General Hospital I could not turn over in bed or walk a step unaided. After six weeks of intensive daily physio from Snowden House Southampton I was handed over to the Lymington and New Milton Therapy Team. They have looked after me ever since.

Initially I had physio two times a week, then once a week then once every two weeks over a 9 or ten month period. All this was done at my home. I still needed use of a wheelchair outside and rollator or frame indoors. I was then moved on to weekly one hour intense gym physio sessions at Lymington Hospital Gym.

My progress since then has been amazing.  My core strength, balance and overall fitness has begun to transform my quality of life. The wheelchair now sees no use other than for particularly difficult situations. The rollator only used outside or in difficult or longer distances indoors.  I now walk on my wife's arm for short level distances and without the aid of a frame or an arm in most cases at home.  I still cannot easily use stairs as I still have limited ability to raise my legs and slopes up or down are a challenge. That is work in progress. I can measurably see my weekly progress - small though they are.

I cannot thank enough those physios who have been with me and supported me during this journey. I owe so much to Janine and Cameron. We have set realistic goals and met them together. One day we will get to the ultimate goal of my walking safely unaided but we have a way to go with strength and balance yet. It is hard work and you have to stick with it but with the physio support it is all so worthwhile and rewarding.