Lincoln resident set to pedal his way back to good health

Company news

Jul 28, 2014

Cycling enthusiast David Shepherd should be back in the saddle just two months following a back injury that left him both unable to sleep and take part in his favourite activity.

The Lincoln resident went to Woodlands Medical Practice after severe back pain kept him awake at night. David was immediately sent for an MRI scan, which revealed he was suffering from bulging discs.

Following the diagnosis his GP offered him a choice of places to be referred to. His GP recommended Care UK’s Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre near Chesterfield, advising it had shorter waiting times and no hospital acquired MRSA.

Former NHS employee and engineer, David, said he was happy to go to Barlborough despite it being 30 miles away from his house. Low infection rates and good reviews by friends, who are among the 97 per cent of former patients who would recommend the treatment centre to others, also helped in his decision.

Speaking about the independent treatment centre, David said: “After 32 years working in the NHS it was a breath of fresh air to receive such personal and reassuring treatment. I had heard of Care UK and seen their mobile units for their Lincolnshire Intermediate Musculo-Skeletal Service, however I didn’t know how amazing the whole experience at the treatment centre would be. I was nervous of going in for surgery, but the staff were very reassuring.”

The 59 year old, who underwent the operation in March, said: “I am now able to smile again. The fact that I now have no back pain is outstanding. Overall, I feel 90 per cent better, with some pins and needles still in my legs. I used to wake up due to pain down my leg and foot. I couldn’t sleep. I even found it difficult to walk.”

As well as cycling and engineering, Mr Shepherd has three grandchildren to keep him on his toes and credited his speedy recovery to his family: “My wife was very supportive. I believe the whole package, including the medical staff, made my recovery faster.”

Care UK’s Neurosurgeon Dev Bhattacharyya said as a rule, surgery for bulging discs is usually considered only if symptoms haven’t settled after about six-weeks.

He said following his surgery, David should be back on his bike in no time if he follows some simple best practices: “The best thing David could do is to keep going with normal activities as much as possible, while complimenting this with exercises provided by our physiotherapist.”