Since being back I have kept busy with all my systems to get them working optimally. I haven't forgotten my promise to tell you more about my hospital "adventure ".

Stoke Mandeville is a big hospital,spreading out over several blocks along Mandeville Road in Aylesbury. The Spinal section has played a key role in its development. Arriving back after 2.5 years was a mixture of feelings. I remembered the good relationships I had forged with patients and staff. I remembered my arrival from Germany by sky ambulance and the room I had for 3 weeks before I moved. I remembered not eating or talking for 6 months. Nurses became friends. Linda visited daily and spent the day with me.Which was my only communication with the world, she was my voice. It was a battle for her as she was fighting breast-cancer and the effects of treatment. When it became too much and the experience finally took its toll her visits reduced. The memory left is a feeling of loneliness and frustration.

Don't misunderstand me. I found a way to smile and beguile my way into many hearts to help me with the emptiness and isolation. I was never fulfilled or happy during my stay but I was driven by a fierce independence that enabled me to leave before it became too difficult. So often patients are drawn in to the life and routine so that to leave is too difficult.

I met a great doctor on this trip. He is my consultant, Mr Dennis Newton,from South Africa! So its not all bad.