The preparation for the operation was excellent with a high level of explanation and the care and attention by both Mr Ishaque and the anaesthetist Dr da Silva being very reassuring.

My surgery took place just three years ago following deterioration in my ability to walk or stand due to a spondolythesis at L4/L5. I am writing this testimonial having not only recovered following Mr Ishaque’s treatment but also being now both fitter and more flexible than for several years before my operation.

 

I had sought a diagnosis for several years before being seen, on the recommendation of a physiotherapist friend, by Dr Robin Chakraverty a physician at The Priory who, having diagnosed the spondolythesis, advised that I should see a surgeon and recommended Mr Ishaque.

 

Although I had a couple of steroid injections, conforming Mr Ishaque’s preference to avoid surgery where possible, it became clear that an operation was necessary given the rapid deterioration in my mobility.

 

The preparation for the operation was excellent with a high level of explanation and the care and attention by both Mr Ishaque and the anaesthetist Dr da Silva being very reassuring. The operation itself was a daunting experience but the team looking after me at The Priory could not have been more kind or helpful and the immediate aftercare was exemplary.

 

The most valuable piece of advice Mr Ishaque gave me was to spend at least 4 to 5 months away from work to recover.  I had no idea how much work was going to be required to fully recuperate but the benefits of being able to spend 4 or 5 hours a day on physiotherapy (once the muscles had healed from the operation) cannot be overestimated.  It was hard work but I returned to work, pain free, much fitter and flexible than I had been for years. Everyone I met commented on how much better I looked and the transformation was amazing.

 

I have continued to exercise every day and can once again carry sacks of compost around the garden, ski and walk pain free.  The residual damage to my nerves has left a degree of neuropathy in my legs but that is a minor inconvenience.

 

I am immensely grateful to Mr Ishaque for both his skill in performing the operation itself ( I have a partially instrumented fusion covering L3 down to S1) and for his advice about how to get the best out of the treatment available.