Faheem Main – Testimonial

Back in February I underwent spinal surgery with Mr Pal after years of aggressive sciatica and back issues. I have spinal stenosis and had compression of the nerves at L4/5 requiring a lumbar decompression surgery with laminectomy and disccectomy.

Being 29 I never thought I’d be having back surgery so soon in life but having had it, and being 7 months on, I can honestly say it has completely changed my life (for the better!).

I was naive going into the surgery; despite the risks and recovery procedure being clearly communicated on multiple occasions - I went in thinking it was going to be a breeze and I’d be back at work in no time. Looking back, I feel this was partly a coping mechanism to try and block out the fact I would be laid up for a while, and that I was about to undergo spinal surgery. I didn’t anticipate just how painful the immediate weeks following the surgery would be, and how debilitating the recovery process could be. But that being said, I’ve waited this long to post my testimonial so I could share an honest, well rounded and thorough review - and give you some comfort in knowing the there is light at the end of the tunnel, and Mr Pal can hopefully help you just as much as he has helped me.

My back issues began very young with doctors trips and physio starting in my early 20’s - but nobody would ever take me seriously enough to give me an MRI or proper diagnostics due to my age. I spent years going back and forth, finding some relief and then suffering for months and then repeating the cycle all over again. It was depressing to be stuck in a place where you want to do so many things, being so young, but being limited in every aspect because of your back.

Never truly knowing if that bend or twist is going to have you in agony for the next month - or how long you won’t be able to move comfortably for. It was an awful place to be.

Since surgery I feel I have almost taken everything for granted. The pain has been gone for that long that I often forget I’ve even had a surgery, and totally forget all the turmoil I suffered throughout the last decade.

I returned to work after 5 weeks, which could have been a tad too soon looking back as I really could have done with focusing on my physio and rehabilitation for a little longer - but it also helped me to get back to normality and start moving on from one of the worst periods of my life (the months leading up to the surgery).

I unfortunately never got far with the NHS and got to Mr Pal through my Bupa healthcare. He was honest, transparent and very supportive from day 1. I’d never had such a detailed and knowledgeable discussion regarding my specific spinal issues, or received a clear diagnosis before seeing Mr Pal - and I was on the operating table 2 months later. This was despite me first seeing him over the Christmas period, having a few weeks to digest what we had discussed, and then ultimately making the decision to have the surgery.

The care from the team at Spire hospital was exquisite. I felt at home from the second I arrived until the second I left, with all-round care and no ask too big. Mr Pal’s team were fantastic and he is genuinely the most amazing surgeon I have been so lucky to land with.

I can now walk endlessly, jog, stretch, lay in any position in bed, sit comfortably, stand comfortably, bend, carry (nothing too heavy), work and many other things without being in any pain at all. The stenosis means I still have back ache after overdoing it or being sat too long, but that was expected after years of being left without any proper remedial action.

Mr Pal advised he would usually see this stenosis in 80 year old patients - so I was always prepared for there to be some backache. But the pain is completely gone.

I woke up today twisted in bed and realised just how lucky I was to be able to sleep comfortably without crippling sciatica, without being restricted to how I lay down and how I get in and out of bed. How I tie my shoe laces and put on my clothes in a morning. Even how I can wash my full body in the shower without any pain or being unable to reach down to my legs and feet. I had gone months without sharing just how much of positive experience this has been for me - and I wanted you all to know it is possible!

If you are in two minds, you’re worried about taking the leap or what the recovery will be like then I can honestly say - the recovery is awful, but it’s temporary. Back issues are permanent and if you don’t do anything about them, they will only get worse. I know I am fortunate to have had this surgery, and I’m so, so lucky to be in the place I am now thanks to Mr Pal.

I admire you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If I ever have any issues in the future (I pray I do not) - then I know I will be in safe hands.

Thank you
Faheem, a very happy patient!