"I am a new woman! Well done John Radcliffe Hospital"

Feedback to say how wonderful the staff and surgeons were at John Radcliffe, and how I have coped since the surgery.

I had been in phenomenal pain with sciatica for several years, and all the tests showed that I had spinal stenosis and spondylethesis (impressive!) and that it would not improve on its own.

I had a decompression but this did not help. I was faced with major surgery and was rather apprehensive but I had to have the surgery as I couldn't walk without great pain and I needed to work and I have a practical job.

The surgery was done at the John Radcliffe by Mr Kamat. I had 26 stitches and a pedicure screw fusion from L3 to L5. I was out the next day!! My Xrays with the metalwork are impressive.

Five months post op I am working, dog walking and riding my horses. I have to say, this is not a miracle cure and there are things that I cannot do- lifting, bending and twisting need to be avoided and I still have some lower back pain, but everyone says I am like a new woman; upright and mobile.

I would like to thank Mr Kamat, and also the team of Neurology nurses who have supported me through this, especially Gill Hemmings who received my pre op tearful calls and was so positive and helpful.

When the NHS works well, as it should do, it is suberb.

Well done JR!