Edwin Harding – Testimonial

My name is Edwin Harding; I am 69 years old and live in Harrogate. I had Lumbar Decompression surgery performed by Mr Deb Pal in a 3 hour operation on Friday 18th June 2021 at the Leeds Nuffield Hospital. Prior to being diagnosed with moderate/severe spinal stenosis by an MRI scan in March 2019 I had been an active individual who worked full time, enjoyed a busy family/social life and kept fit by hill walking, running and cycling.

From March 2019, I dropped running but was encouraged by my GP to keep up with walking and cycling enhanced by a bespoke exercise regime together with Yoga/Pilates. This kept the pain under control so much so, I continued working and was able to attempt and complete the West Highland Way which is a 98 mile walk in Scotland from Glasgow to Fort William in September 2020. However, the situation gradually deteriorated despite the exercise regime, and by May 2021, I was back with my GP asking for advice on what to do next.

He told me the ‘gold standard’ was to approach a Neurosurgeon who would advise on the optimum course of action.

Following some online research, I contacted Mr Pal and had my first out-patient consultation on Tuesday 8th June 2021. He was able to reassure me that the time had come for an operation as none of the other available options were going to help. Patiently and clearly he answered all my concerns and explained that if nothing was done I would gradually lose the ability to walk even 50 yards without pain. Following an MRI Scan, I was back for another consultation with my wife on Friday 11thJune 2021 and again Mr Pal answered our questions and concerns in the same easy and relaxed manner which made it an easy decision for me to ask him to proceed with the operation.

When I woke up after the operation, I needed to visit the bathroom and as soon as I stood up I knew the pain caused by the stenosis had gone. It was an emotional moment, even though the site of the operation was sore and tender, the ever increasing pain I had lived with for the last six months had magically disappeared - never to return. I was allowed home the following day and was back to work within 6 weeks. In September 2021, I completed the Great Glen Way which is a walk of 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness.

That is proof positive that the incredible work Mr Pal does is Life changing and Life enhancing. He has certainly turned my life around and allowed me to do the things that make life worth living. I am eternally grateful.

Edwin Harding