Mr Mo Akmal MD FRCS 2020-07-24 Person 5 5 0

I had pain in my back for over a year and at 46 with 3 young children it had become a real problem, the pain had become so bad I could barely walk round the block without stopping several times. It was affecting my daily mood as aside from the pain, I just couldn’t do what I wanted to do with the children. I had tried 3 cortisone injections without success and a repeat MRI showed the bulged disc had got worse not better leaving a very narrow canal for the nerves. I was told surgery (Microdiscectomy) was the only option and was recommended to Mo Akmal and his team as during the covid-19 pandemic options were limited but because he is able to perform this type of surgery as day surgery it could be done., and my case was becoming urgent ‘Back surgery’ seems to create an issue in peoples’ minds with an assumption that it can lead to months of difficult recovery, risk, uncertain outcomes and other concerns. Even my wife asked if I really felt it was necessary but for me, I knew I had no choice with constant 8/10 pain affecting my daily life. The fact that Mo and the team made it seem so easy is the first thing I would say. It felt like a minor procedure rather than surgery and that is important! When my healthcare provider authorised the surgery they said it was a 3 days hospital stay but I assured them that it was a day procedure as Mo had explained to me and sure enough, I arrived at 8am and left at 4p.m, picked up by my wife. The hospital is relaxing and clean, the staff were helpful and attentive, but the important bit is I was walking pain free 90 minutes after surgery, I dressed myself and went home, I was able to sleep normally and walk round the house from the time I got home, and was doing short walks within days. I was 100% pain free instantly and still am following my 6-week check and life is pretty much back to normal, just taking care for another 6 weeks or so with too much bending and twisting. I cannot recommend Mo and his team highly enough. He has changed my life in a day and I’m eternally grateful”