David Lighten – Testimonial

In June 22, I had spinal surgery following a prolapsed disc by Mr Deb Pal. Prior to this I was a regular runner and cyclist, racing and training several times throughout the week. Then following a family walk over the new year period, I woke unable to walk upright the next day. I commenced on strong pain killers which increased in strength. I was signed off work and attended the usual physio approach to no avail. I also had a nerve block attempted which lasted for a week before I was back to square one. Eventually I was referred to Mr Pal. He reassured me that what I needed was spinal surgery and that I would be running again. Such was the pain and debilitation that I felt this was the only option, but "running again" seemed optimistic.

After the procedure and the initial post-surgical pain subsided. I was quickly able to wean off the pain killers completely. I returned to the physio room, and within a short time I was indeed running again, albeit a lot slower. Unsurprisingly pain returned but it was a different type of pain and more to do with my lack of physical fitness. Rest and recovery was factored into my routine. I held off writing a testimonial probably due to my optimism on how successful the surgery would be, but a year on I am still running, not as competitively but none the less I am enjoying it, and recently enjoyed a 5-day trekking holiday in the south of France with the family. I cannot speak highly enough of Mr Pal. He was open and honest in what the procedure entailed. My scarring is minimal, but most importantly I am completely pain free.

David Lighten