Karen Chesterfield

Hi, My name is Karen Chesterfield. I am 35 years old and live with my husband Tim and 2 dogs Andie and Suzi. We live in Melbourne Australia.

I have been diagnosed with Multidisciplinary disc Denervation Disease. In December 2003 I was on my second day off from work, at home relaxing making myself a cup of coffee. Suddenly I experienced severe pain. No words could describe the pain that I was in. I could not stand or walk or even talk. I was then admitted to hospital. I was in hospital for nearly 3 months and during that time I was also in a rehabilitaion centre doing hydrotherapy and all that. My doctors told me that I would never walk again.

After numerous visits to the hospital and operations to my hand and elbows, for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Bilateral nerve decompression, and just recently, I had pancreatitis due to gall bladder stones. So I had to have my Gall Bladder removed.

My life went from non-existant to O.K. then to great with the help of the hospital and the few friends I still have left. I used to work as a personal care attendant in nursing homes, now I need care from carers that come to visit me daily and do the chores that I now need help with. My pain level is still the same, but I have learned to channel the pain and to put it behind me. I have had articles about me in our local newspaper and magazines. I have been able to help other people with my condition and I want to continue to do so.

----- Update  -----

Hello again. Its is karen Chesterfield. Over the past couple of weeks I have had very swollen feet. My doctor has told me that there may be something wrong with my heart and has sent me for a eco-cardiogram. I am kind of scared but I know that things will work out. My husband and I have always had faith in the Australia medical system and we will continue to do so. After all, they know best, right?

Anyway I have had many people turn to me and say "gee aren't you doing well". I am out of the wheelchair and using a stick and that is permanant for me at the moment. I think that I am doing great.

I also will be publishing a couple of my poems in a book called Songs Of Honour, done through Noble House Publishers. It will be available in summer.

My husband and I wish you all the very best and chin up, life gets better. Love Karen Chesterfield