“I am extremely grateful to TASC for funding my rehab stay – they have given me hope that I will get my old life back.”
Tracy, Paramedic, Devon
Earlier in the year, Tracy contracted sepsis which left her with severe back spasms that affected her walking. She got in contact with TASC to see if there was anything we could do to help. Here’s Tracy’s story:
“Earlier this year I contracted sepsis which left me with fatigue, poor concentration, severe back spasms and back pain which had affected my walking. I was getting increasingly anxious that this would mean the end of my career as a Paramedic, a role I absolutely love.
I had already used my employer’s physiotherapy allowance and was paying for private treatments. I contacted my Wellbeing Team to see if there was any other support available and they suggested I contact TASC. I spoke to a very helpful lady who told me about the Fire Fighters Charity rehabilitation centres, and I thought they might be able to help improve my walking. Within days of my details being passed to the treatment centre, I was contacted by a Physiotherapist who booked me on to a six-day rehabilitation programme.
The course started with a physical assessment to determine my needs and I was then given a bespoke exercise programme. The centre has excellent facilities and the staff were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging.
Every day included hydrotherapy, two sessions in the gym, a walk or cycle ride, and lessons on things I can do to aid my recovery. The week was tough going, and the peak for me was the day I used the anti-gravity treadmill – and I was walking perfectly normal. I was smiling from ear to ear and had tears streaming down my face because for the first time since my illness I believed I would be able to walk well again and be able to return to my job as a paramedic. It gave me a huge psychological boost to know that my body was capable of walking, it just needed more time to get stronger.
Armed with this knowledge and my exercise programme, I went home with renewed enthusiasm and hope. I am extremely grateful to TASC for funding my rehab stay, and for their support in suggesting and arranging it – they have given me hope that I will get my old life back.”
Tracy, Paramedic, Devon