Case study 3

Living so far from London meant a 5 to 6 hour journey, which was quite an ordeal at first and even more so following a setback at the end of my first week. My first weekend home was quite traumatic with the increased pain.

Previously I would have gone to bed, instead I read through my folder and began to practice the INPUT principles. To be honest, I was not convinced during that first weekend that I was doing the right thing, continuing to do some stretches and exercises whilst in pain seemed so alien. Returning to the unit was a struggle, but I was taught how to set some new baselines and even continued to reduce my medication.

Before INPUT, I was taking 17 tablets a day and using my TENS machine nearly all the time. Since the beginning of March, I have reduced my medication to 4 tablets and have not used my machine. I recently took my first bike ride as one of my goals was to cycle to the village shop at a distance of two miles, to say I was delighted would be an understatement. I set myself some projects in the garden, which I have been able to complete and have also done some decorating. It is not difficult to see what a difference INPUT has made to my life so far and who knows what may be achieved in the future. I still have flare-ups from time to time, but they do not concern me as I feel I can cope with them now.

Maurice Beck, attended INPUT in 1998