Hello

[gertrudetkitty]

I'm married with four children 16, 17, 21 and 24. I was a lecturer in Business Studies. I'm on the edge of 50. Unknowingly I was born with C2 and C3 of my neck fused and severe congential spinal stenosis. As long as I can rememember I've had mild vertigo but I didn't suffer with headaches or any pain until expecting my third child at 33. I wasn't diagnosed with CSM until I was 44 when I was brought into a&e with a suspected stroke. I had my first Anteror Cervical Dissection and Fusion C5-C6 in 2010. It was very successful; went from wheelchair to walking with cane, no arm pain. Six months later I could hardly walk; convinced I have compression again. Surgeon told me it wasn't possible; my remaining discs were stable and it would be at least ten years if not longer before I would require further surgury. Five months later taken into a&e unable to walk. MRI'd. Surgery two days later acdf c3-C4. Two years later lamenctomy C6-C7. Now here I am three years later, struggling, with MRI's imminent but I'm lucky and happy to be here so no real complaints. I have reinvented myself as a writer. I blog about myelopathy cervicalmyelopathy.me/

[Iwan Administrator]

Great to see you as part of our new community

[Dodlink Moderator]

Yes I love the blog. So good to see the challenges we face explained in a way which made me smile then laugh out loud. Keep writing.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your blog. Keep writing. I love your line that you reinvented yourself to become a writer. A cathartic exercise to dealing with this disease. Can't wait for your next colum. It's great, I'm enjoying your blog. 💌