I am now 6 months from recovery, and I am back surfing, horse riding and generally enjoying life with little regard for my back stopping me.

I first visited Mr Ishaque in September of 2012 after being recommended to him by Lin Chell, a wonderful physiotherapist based in Wordsley.

Mr Ishaque sent me for X-rays and an MRI scan where we discovered my disc at L5-S1 was smashed into pieces. I was suffering no nerve or leg pain, so a considered approach was taken, and we first tried steroid injections, which unfortunately had no effect.

We discussed surgery at length, and it was only after things became considerably worse for me, that we agreed to go ahead with a spinal fusion.

My life had become all about the pain in my back, from the second I woke until the second I went to sleep. I had exhausted all forms of a non-surgical solution and after being left with little choice, we went ahead with the surgery in February 2013.

You do a lot of research when you undergo something like spinal surgery, and there are many, many horror stories out there. However although the risks were explained to me by Mr Ishaque, I felt confident in his care, as his record is exlemperary.

The recovery for a spinal fusion is not expected to be an easy one, but I knew that the operation was worth it within days. I was able to manage stairs by the end of the week and was sent home from hospital.

Make no mistake, recovery is painful, but anyone heading for spinal surgery is used to that! But within 2 months I no longer needed any pain relief and life was definitely much, much easier.

I am now 6 months from recovery, and I am back surfing, horse riding and generally enjoying life with little regard for my back stopping me. Things still take their toll and physiotherapy will be a part of my daily life forever, but I awake from a good night’s sleep as good as new. 5 months ago it was a huge struggle to even get out of bed.

So, everything was a complete success, and I put the success down to three things.

1. Having a realistic and positive attitude and doing what you’re told! Don’t do too much too soon, but be diligent with your physiotherapy and exercise.
2. The care of the staff at the Birmingham Priory.
3. Having an excellent surgeon and medical team. There is no doubt in my mind that my surgery has been such a success due to the skill of Mr Ishaque. His professionalism and manner gave me confidence throughout and his competence as a surgeon is evident in my quick recovery, the neatness of my scar, and the fact that every day is no longer about my back.