“I am beginning to feel like me again“ – Christine
Before Christine developed her condition, she had a vibrant and very active life. Despite having a pre-existing pituitary tumour, including constant steroid medication, Christine loved to be outdoors, whether that was walking around her local area, or tending to her beautiful garden. She also embraced exciting activities with her family, such as swimming, cycling, sailing, and skiing. While physical activity was a key part of her daily routine, Christine also cherished time spent with meaningful people; she took any opportunity to spend quality time with her young grandchildren, and she even hosted garden charity events at her home, bringing people she loved together in support of a good cause.
However, due to the pituitary tumour, Christine developed Osteoporosis, causing her bones to weaken and the nerves in her body to give her extreme pain and discomfort, particularly in her left leg. During the height of the Corona Virus Epidemic, she unfortunately lost her ability to walk any distance as the pain had become relentless.
After a succession of operations on her back, resulting in rods, spacers and mesh being placed down most of her spine, it became clear that the nerves going down into her left leg had been severely damaged; she could no longer control or feel it. This left Christine worried and concerned that the damage was permanent and beyond repair, and that she may never regain control of her leg again. While she eventually was able to shuffle with the help of others, and the use of a gutter frame, Christine knew that she would need to receive treatment to improve any long-term symptoms.
When Christine first approached Hobbs Rehabilitation, there were unfortunately no spaces available at that time. Instead, she went to a facility in Bagshot to start her neurological rehabilitation on her spine. Soon after, she was able to be transferred to Hobbs Rehabilitation in Winchester as an outpatient, where she received vestibular rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Christine was then transferred to Hobbs Rehabilitation at Oaksey House, where she was treated by a multidisciplinary team of therapists in two separate weeks of intensive rehabilitation.
One of Christine’s biggest challenges was her movement and balance, so the team tailored a set of intense exercises to help her regain these skills. They focused on improving her ability to step over obstacles, bend down to pick objects up, and walk short distances, all with the goal of boosting her independence. In addition to the physical rehabilitation, the therapists at Oaksey House played a vital role in rebuilding her confidence. They encouraged her to push her boundaries, whether it was managing everyday tasks on her own or learning to swim in light of her new circumstances. To further her self-confidence and to help her accept and adjust to the new reality that she was now facing, Christine also received invaluable counselling from the Hobbs clinical neuropsychologist at Oaksey House, Dr Rachel Tams.
The rehabilitation Christine received during her time at Hobbs Rehabilitation left a tremendous impact on her day-to-day life. She can now comfortably climb stairs and walk around her house, and garden with renewed confidence and radiance. The continuous improvement in her core and upper body strength has enabled Christine to independently drive herself to the local supermarket, do the shopping, and make delicious meals for her and her family. Additionally, the recovery in her balance has rehabilitated Christine’s physical health, meaning she is now able to ride her bike again, with the support from her husband.
One of Christine’s main goals in her rehabilitation was to regain her mobility as she wasn’t sure if that would be possible. From the wonderful support of all her therapists, and her own determination, she has been able to achieve this. Christine can now comfortably walk along the pontoon to her beloved boat, and spend days there with her grandchildren and further family.
Equally important to her physical recovery, the counselling Christine received has been a powerful source of motivation, helping her to stay focused and resilient throughout her journey. It has encouraged her to push beyond her limits without succumbing to frustration or disappointment during tough moments. Through this support, she has gained a deeper understanding of her capabilities, becoming more confident in knowing both her strengths and her boundaries. This newfound self-awareness has empowered her to approach each challenge with a positive mindset, ready to keep moving forward.
“I look on the therapists who have worked with me as friends, although at times it feels like tough love. If I make a remark about an issue in my life, no matter how small, it is addressed and that information is passed around the group so you don’t have to repeat yourself.” – Christine
Having looked back at how she felt prior to the beginning of her recovery at Hobbs Rehabilitation, Christine is beginning to feel more like herself again, albeit a newer version. Despite the occasional challenges that she faces, Christine looks forward to future events with her family and friendship groups, including birthday celebrations and Christmas. Making important decisions has become easier, thanks to her improved rehabilitation, and now Christine can think about moving house in her own time, rather than be forced into it because of her prior limited mobility.
Going forward, Christine does think she will need further help from Hobbs Rehabilitation, to boost her recovery from time to time. But, thanks to her amazing therapists, she knows that when she does pop in, she will be completely supported and looked after.
