MY STORY
It all started when I was about 13 (1975) I was a natural athlete and was the captain of most sports at school swimming, tennis, hockey and gymnastics. I had a problem with the beam at gym and could never roll over without falling off! During the summer holidays my mum noticed while bending down to play a record that I had a bump on the side of my back. She took me to the doctors who rubbed his thumb down my spine. The next thing I was having physiotherapy at St James's every morning before school which was hard work. Then one year later a Milwaukee brace was fitted. At the end of the school year a successful sports pupil on return to a new school year was supported with a back brace. This was uncomfortable and ugly. Every 3 months I went to see the consultant who terrified me and he always said it would be removed following the next appointment in yet another 3 months. Well about 4 years passed! I was shy and self conscious but luckily I had very supportive and protective school friends who I am very thankful for. I eventually left school and started working at Barclaycard. I had a great time and the staff were nice to me. I think I was about 18 when eventually I could take the brace off. I had to always sleep in the brace and only take it off to shower. When I did take the brace off I found I had a great response to my slim figure. A friend of mine was a model and she advised me to train and learn purely for confidence and to build up my self-esteem. Well that was such a success I was a natural straight catwalk model and started earning straightaway and eventually finished my bank job to be a fashion model. Wow!!!. But I knew my back was not right so decided to seek advice again and was introduced to Professor Dickson. Who said an operation was in order and was much needed. I was placed on the waiting list and at the age of 21 I had Harrington rods fitted, again a jacket for 6 months and again I became a bit depressed - I guessed all my work plans were finished. When my recovery was complete I decided to join a modelling agency in London to continue my modelling career. This I did and was extremely successful and independent. I spent all of my twenties growing up in the London fashion world and enjoyed every minute of it. I came back to Leeds for personal reasons and rejoined Barclays bank for 6 years. I bought a house and kept my dog. When I was 30 I met a nice man from Harrogate. We were married in 1997 and in year 2000 I had a daughter and in 2002 I had my son. I worked supporting my husband’s self employed business (electrician/building) and qualified as a specialist glaze paint finisher! While my son was little I went to night school to learn British sign language (BSL) which I loved and took my exams. I passed my level 1 and 2 and will be submitting my level 3 soon. I now work at a high school and support a deaf boy, whose first language is BSL and interpret for him. I job share and find this very challenging. I live in Harrogate with my husband Ronnie, my daughter Emily and Oliver. Recently my step-daughter has moved in (age 14) and my 30 year old step-son is travelling the world as a kite surfing instructor. I have absolutely no regrets about having my operation. This was the best thing that ever happened to me and I thank Professor Dickson with all my heart. I am now 47 and have a very happy life. I have little complaints about my back and enjoy life to the full. Janette Falconer