I thought my pain was just a trapped nerve – 15 minutes later I couldn’t walk

This was my reality, and it was perhaps the most mentally and physically exhausting thing I’ve ever had to do. I’m still learning to walk again now – perhaps I always will be.

My old life was filled with adventure. Though I was still working full time at 66 years old as an occupational therapist, I would travel up and down the country on classic motorbike rides with my partner and hike around the countryside while on holiday in our campervan. 

I was healthy, and, most importantly, I was happy – but that all changed one morning in June 2021.

When I woke up, I noticed a small, painful numb patch on my hip, which I originally palmed off as a trapped nerve that would resolve itself eventually. I got washed and dressed and was about to plough on with some work, but all of a sudden felt a strange tingling sensation run down my legs and decided it was best if I sat down on the sofa and waited for it to pass. 

After about 15 minutes, I tried to stand, but had no feeling in either of my legs and couldn’t put any weight on them.

It was only when I lay sprawled across my sofa on the phone to my GP and they said I needed to go to hospital that I began to understand the severity of the situation. Before I knew it, I was lifted into the back of an ambulance.

Over the next five days, I had two MRI scans, a CT scan, various x-rays, two lumbar punctures and countless blood tests, until I was eventually diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis – a rare neurological condition caused by an inflammation around the spinal cord. 

After doing some research, I realised how serious this diagnosis was, with only a third of people making a full recovery, with the rest being left with some kind of disability.

I was given a three-day course of high strength IV steroids to reduce the inflammation, and medication to address the nerve pain, which helped me regain some movement in my toes but I was still unable to stand.

Wondering if I’d ever regain use of my legs left me depressed. I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to go home, or how the diagnosis would impact my relationship with my partner. I couldn’t help but think it wouldn’t be fair on him if I was left severely disabled. 

I eventually saw a physiotherapist at the hospital and, after a few weeks of training, was able to stand very briefly with the assistance of a device designed to assist with standing from a sitting position. 

Despite only being able to remain upright for just a few seconds, I cried with happiness for the rest of the evening, knowing that I’d get stronger every day from here on. 

I had, and still have, constant nerve pain in both of my legs and on the soles of my feet. I also had loss of sensation in my right heel, which made balancing more difficult. 

Learning to walk again was tiring as it involved a lot of effort. However, even taking a few steps felt like enormous progress and with each step I was determined that I would build on that and do more each day.

I continued the next day by taking a few steps around my bed in the ward, followed the next day by a walk to the window and back – before I knew it, I was walking over 200 yards, down the corridor and back again, getting further and further each day.

I learnt that repetitive exercise can repair nerve damage, and so far, so good! Now, nearly two years on, I can now walk around the supermarket to do my shopping, with my spasms and nerve pain gradually decreasing.

So far, the furthest I have walked is 1.5 miles, using my walking stick, around the village where I live. It took me an hour to do this, a walk that used to take me half of that. I was exhausted. 

However, every time I walk I feel like it’s another step towards recovery.

There’s no denying my life has changed completely. I can no longer go for walks in the countryside or enjoy long weekends in my campervan. Now, I have to watch concerts from my wheelchair so I don’t lose my balance and fall over, and I struggle to relax in the evenings due to the constant spasms in my legs. 

But, despite everything, I remain hopeful for what is to come.

I’ve given presentations at the Disabled Living Foundation Conference and written chapters for professional journals on living with a disability since my diagnosis, with more planned. 

I’ve taken up woodwork, and can still enjoy going to the pub with my partner for some dinner – we’re even planning trips abroad after a successful holiday in France with my adapted car. 

Some days are certainly harder than others, but I will continue to work towards making a full recovery. For me, giving up isn’t an option.

Gill used MuscleSquad’s P100 Folding Treadmill to regain confidence in her ability to walk after her diagnosis. For more information, visit: https://musclesquad.com/.