Anne’s Story: Rebuilding Confidence and Mobility with MS and Brain Surgery

Living with Multiple Sclerosis brings its own challenges, but in 2023 my journey became even more complex when I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma. The tumour, located on the hearing nerve, required urgent removal due to its size.

Before surgery, I was already experiencing difficulty with walking and balance, alongside a constant blocked sensation in my left ear. Following further investigations, I underwent brain surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. While the operation was successful, the recovery presented significant physical and emotional challenges.

After surgery, the simplest tasks became overwhelming. Standing up, maintaining balance, and moving safely around the house felt almost impossible. My confidence dropped completely—I no longer trusted my body to support me.

Everything began to change when I started home-based neurological physiotherapy at the end of 2023. From the outset, the approach was tailored and adaptive. Exercises were clearly explained, and if something didn’t work, it was quickly adjusted. This flexibility made a huge difference, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Initially, my goal was to return to my previous baseline—walking up to three miles a day. While that remains an ongoing ambition, my rehabilitation has helped me redefine success. Small but meaningful milestones, like being able to load the washing machine independently, became major achievements. These everyday tasks required targeted exercises and persistence, but they marked real progress in regaining independence.

Home physiotherapy sessions have been both professional and practical. Without access to traditional clinic equipment, sessions were adapted creatively—using kitchen worktops instead of parallel bars, for example. This made the therapy directly relevant to real-life situations in my home.

In addition to home sessions, attending gym-based rehabilitation at the University of Birmingham has significantly enhanced my recovery. These sessions have improved my strength, mobility, and confidence. With expert guidance on how to use each piece of equipment and why it matters, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my condition and how to manage it. What I never expected was to actually enjoy the gym—but now, I even have a favourite machine.

My progress hasn’t been without setbacks. Complications following surgery led to multiple cerebrospinal fluid leaks and additional hospital stays, each time impacting my mobility. However, after every setback, rehabilitation restarted with a clear plan. Step by step, I rebuilt my ability to move, from sit-to-stand exercises through to walking confidently around the house—sometimes even using just a stick instead of a frame.

Today, I can move around my home with far greater independence, make a cup of coffee, and continue working towards bigger goals—like baking again and improving my endurance on stairs.

A crucial part of this journey has been the clinician leading my rehabilitation. The approach has always been personalised, focusing not just on physical strength but on retraining the nervous system itself. This has been particularly important in improving function on my right side, which had been significantly affected.

From a family perspective, the changes have been profound. After several hospital admissions, each of which caused a noticeable decline in mobility, structured rehabilitation helped rebuild strength and confidence every time. I’ve gone from needing a wheelchair and ramps to being able to walk out of the house and manage steps again—something that once felt out of reach.

Beyond the physical improvements, the consistent encouragement, positivity, and problem-solving approach have made rehabilitation both effective and motivating. It’s not just about exercises—it’s about restoring belief in what’s possible.

I would wholeheartedly recommend neurological physiotherapy to anyone living with MS or recovering from neurological surgery. The combination of expert knowledge, personalised care, and a supportive approach has been life-changing, helping me regain independence, confidence, and a sense of control over my future.