I suffered a neck injury in June 2006, I had tumours in my cervical spine.  i had these removed but unfortunately my condition became worse resulting in almost total paralysis, apart from two fingers in my right hand .  I was then moved to a neuro hospital and was fixed with a halo and put on traction for 3wks, following another operation I was fixed with a halo vest and had a metal plate ifixed in the front of my neck.  My halo vest came off in January 07, and i was then fitted with a somi brace, basically another device to keep your neck in place. there was a little weakness at C6/7, so i was being monitored.  After a few weeks surgery was suggested, I refused as neurologically I had improved and had not had any setbacks, and couldnt at that time go through it all again.  I was warned in March/April that i was unstable at C6/7 and it was likely to worsen. So I went back for halo traction at the end of April and had another operation to fix C6/7 , have the plate in my neck moved down, and again had a halo vest for 3 months.  Woo hoo.  As u can imagine i suffered a lot of stares and had strange comments.  Finally I was halo free in August, i have to keep a close eye on my neck, but so far I am doing well.

I can now manage to walk short distances with sticks and hope to continue to do so.  I cant stand for long I become achy. Otherwise I use my wheelchair.

I spent a year in hospital and it felt like a lifetime but I am now glad to be back home.  Salisbury spinal unit changed my life, attitude and helped me find some lifelong friends.

I would love to hear from anybody.

Chezza xx