THEY GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK – TWICE AND NOW I’M WORKING ON MY FUTURE!

Heidi is a very determined young woman who has faced reality – head-on, knowing that she will never be able to walk – but her positive approach to life has given new hope after years of coping with hospital appointments, tests and many hours of surgery.

When Heidi was born, 27 years ago, her mother was not aware of any problem until her daughter was twelve months old. She noticed Heidi was sitting and crawling – but not attempting to stand.

Her GP explained that some babies take longer than others and usually start by leaning against furniture to steady themselves before taking those first important steps.

But months went by and Heidi did not attempt a vertical position. It then became apparent there was a problem, and one test after another began to confirm ‘a mother’s biggest nightmare’. Heidi was suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), resulting in a marked weakness of her legs and a curvature of her spine - known as Scoliosis. She would probably never walk and was likely to develop a severe deformity of her back. She could not stand, had no feeling in her lower legs and was permanently bent forward.

Heidi was encouraged to cope with her disability with lots of physiotherapy and many more tests. When she started school, she had to master the skills of callipers and crutches and could not play like the other children but joined in as best she could.

At the age of 10, she underwent surgery to help straighten her back. Rods were placed either side of her spine to correct the curve as much as possible. The procedure was a lengthy one and Heidi had to endure a lot of discomfort. She continued her education, when possible, at Kinsale Middle School, before going on to Taverham High and gained many friends. “I couldn’t play like the others but got involved with all the lessons”, recalled Heidi

Because she was growing, her pelvis began to tilt and she started to lean to her left side – the rods were not supporting her spine.

Heidi enjoyed school and achieved good school reports, but, aged 15, she went back to hospital for more surgery by specialist surgeons to improve her posture with more rods and pins.

Although she had to endure a lengthy recovery, Hiedi continued to study when she was able. “I desperately wanted to get my degrees”, she said, “I knew some time ago that I wanted a career in Civil Services”. Further education at the City College enabled Heidi to achieve high grades – which qualified her a place at University and a degree in The History of Art. Her determination to succeed, eventually paid off when she was offered a job as a Trainee Case Worker, with The Crown Prosecution Service.

Heidi’s success story does not end there, “I loved the work and was accepted at Law School”, she said, “I wanted to become a Lawyer”.

With support and encouragement from family and friends, Heidi has continued her studies – between operations and physiotherapy. “I can’t thank the Orthopaedic Department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital enough for all they have done for me”, she said, “They gave me my life back – twice”. During the spring of 2005, Heidi announced she had a boyfriend – Ashley, whom she met at work. “He’s ever so nice and helps me a lot”, she explained with a grin.

Last September the couple announced their engagement and their wedding is planned for later this year. “Now I’m working on my future”, stated Heidi confidently.

Recently Heidi underwent another operation to remove a rod and relieve some discomfort she was experiencing, but, has since returned to work part-time and continuing her studies before she takes her final exams next month.

Mr Bob Crawford, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital said, “The advances in orthopaedics, brought about by research over the years, has enabled us to use new techniques which has resulted in a much better correction of Heidi’s deformity”.

Now able to sit upright and with less discomfort, Heidi said, “It is fantastic – I can sit up and do things”. Mr Bob Crawford said, “Heidi is a super young lady who is determined to succeed. We are very proud of her and extremely pleased with the results. She is an inspiration to many”.

Heidi’s Fiancé said” I m very proud to be part of Heidi’s life”.

The couple plan to attend the sponsored Norwich Orthopaedic Walk – (NOW) under the auspices of the Orthopaedic Department’s registered charity – ACTION ARTHRITIS - which takes place at

 THE LOWER SCHOOL, BISHOPGATE (adjacent to The Cathedral)

ON SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2007 FROM 12.30 – 4PM

Where, hundreds of orthopaedic patients, friends and supporters walk one mile to raise money for orthopaedic research, in Norfolk

If you would like to join the walk ring 01603 286706 for a ‘WALK PACK’ 

N O W

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY: MAURICE GRAY