Ken Houlbrook – Testimonial

Be careful who you choose.

I am 77 years old, a keen golfer but have had back and leg pain that started 10 years ago.

Sciatica was the first sign I experienced in my right leg when I drove my car for more than 3 hours.

An MRI scan identified that my leg pain was caused by a bulging disc between L4 and L5 in my lower spine.

A friend recommended a Neurosurgeon working in Harrogate and the Northeast of England who performed decompression surgery to relieve his symptoms. I had a consultation and he reviewed my scan but said that surgery would be the last option and that he could resolve the issues without surgery.

After 3 years of treatment and several expensive procedures with only short term relief (3 months maximum) my symptoms got progressively worse.

I insisted on having a new scan and at the review meeting he told me “that I was nearly 80, it was only pain and that I was too old for surgery” !

After reading Mr Pal’s profile I decided to make an appointment.

I told him about my bad experience and after he reviewed my latest MRI performed at the hospital in the North East he identified that I now had Spinal Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis grade 1.

Mr Pal went on to say that I was not too old for surgery and a prime candidate for Spinal Fusion.

I expressed my concerns that Spinal fusion might restrict my activities and it sounded so final. He took the time to explain in detail that decompression surgery at this stage would not resolve my issues and to avoid having to come back for further surgery at a later date, Spinal fusion was my best option.

Before the operation my back problems had become progressively worse, I took pain medication on a daily basis. I could not walk 500 yards before I had to stop and bend forward for short term relief.

I read numerous articles and watched several videos about the possible outcomes other people had experienced and decided it was the only option for me.

Mr Pal and a fellow surgeon performed the operation at the Nuffield hospital in Leeds and I can only say that the care I received was second to none.

I was out of bed and walking without pain the very next day and was discharged from hospital the same day.

I had to take pain medication for a couple of weeks to help me recover from surgery and began Physiotherapy within 2 weeks after being discharged.

After 4 months I was told it would be safe to start very slowly to half swing a golf club. At 5 months I was able to walk 6 holes on the course with a few irons and a putter and by 6 months play a few holes of golf every week.

It’s now almost 9 months since my operation and I am pleased to say that I can walk any distance and play golf again Pain Free !

In my opinion choosing the best surgeon and best hospital is critical to fully recovering from back pain and spinal issues.

I cannot begin to thank Mr Pal and his wonderful team enough for giving me my life back.

Ken Houlbrook