"The treatment I received was first class"

What started off as a once in a lifetime holiday quickly turned out to be the worst time of my life. I ended up in ICU in Spain and intubated for around 4 weeks. I was unaware of the actual illness as the staff could not speak English and my family were having to Google translate everything. I was in a very dark place with total paraesthesia of my lower limbs and the reliving of the trauma of having to toilet in bed as they could not understand my English. My mood was the lowest my family and I had ever seen. I didn't see a reason for living anymore.

That was until I got to Ward 14 in Lagan Valley Hospital. It completely changed my LIFE. The ward staff were great and then I met the physio team.... The first few encounters were eventful, the pain and discomfort was unbearable. But I did little sessions to get used to the pain of touch again. Then when that settled the fun began. I started to see twitches and movements starting to happen. The small movements became larger ones. I finally had something to live for..... I was standing again. Which became walking.

I had the best physio team EVER. I have to thank Colum, he definitely went above and beyond with me and I can't thank him enough. He has the best sense of humour and makes everyone feel valued and is full of encouragement and energy, I always got the best care and could tell the team was great and they all had their own expertise in rehab.  But I got the best one, he never walks past a patient without speaking to them, asking if they need anything. I actually found myself looking forward to seeing him and got jealous when he didn't see me first... Lol

The treatment I received was first class, and he even offered my son to visit a session to see the progress I was making. I really needed them to push me on and when my son saw me I seen in his eyes, I can do this ..... I can finally say I'm back walking again with a walking aid and I feel I needed to have my accident to make me the person I am . A strong, independent woman again. Thanks to my angel Colum.