Receiving my diagnosis of transverse myelitis was traumatic. My symptoms came on quickly over a few days and led to a ten-day hospital stay (NHS and private). The uncertainty in that first week, before I had a clear diagnosis, was particularly hard on me and my family.
The condition affected my walking and balance, and I experienced painful and debilitating numbness, pins and needles and tingling. For a short period I also had some bladder dysfunction. I left hospital shuffling, taking stairs one at a time, and needing a stick to walk anywhere outside—especially on uneven ground or in busy places.
I’m used to a busy diary, international travel and the demands of an executive role, so the sudden change was disorientating. Once I understood more about the condition and what recovery could involve, I knew I needed the right specialist support to give myself the best chance of returning to good health and to work.
I was referred to Hobbs Rehabilitation by my previous physiotherapist.
From my first phone call to my initial appointment, I felt confident I’d made the right choice. Emily’s assessment was both thorough and reassuring—she listened carefully, understood what I was experiencing, and explained a clear plan that felt realistic and achievable. I felt safe, supported, and in expert hands.
In the first few weeks, I could do very little beyond resting in a chair for much of the day. I completed short bursts of exercises most days to rebuild balance, coordination and cognitive stamina, but there were also days when I couldn’t do anything at all. Even reading for more than a few pages was difficult, and busy social environments were exhausting.
Christmas was a turning point. I wasn’t able to travel or host, but I managed Christmas lunch with two close friends locally. Taking my walking stick helped signal to others to give me space, and it lifted my confidence—only five weeks earlier, I wouldn’t have coped with the noise and visual overload.
Around 6–8 weeks after diagnosis (mid-January), I began to notice meaningful changes. I no longer needed lights on at night to move around the house, and the exercises became easier so I could progress them. I was able to travel independently to London by train at off-peak times, and I could walk for an hour on uneven ground (sometimes using Nordic poles if conditions were wet or muddy). By the time of my consultant review at around eight weeks, I no longer needed a stick, and there was evidence the inflammation around the C4 lesion was settling.
By the beginning of March—around three months in—my balance had improved enough, to walk for longer unaided and for me to get on and off my horse and ride in the arena in walk, trot and a little canter for ten minutes. Riding is demanding for core strength, coordination and balance, and afterwards I felt energised (and a little wobbly from fatigue), but genuinely happy. It was an important milestone and reinforced that, with practice, patience and time, I can continue to rebuild the skills I need for daily life—and to do the things I love.
Recovery involving the nervous system takes time and a great deal of energy. Having the right support has been invaluable. Emily has been patient, kind and highly knowledgeable, and she struck exactly the right balance between encouragement and challenge. I’m very grateful for the role Hobbs Rehabilitation has played in helping me regain confidence and independence.
