Geoffrey woke up on the August bank holiday in 2024 with lower limb numbness, back pain, urinary incontinence and the inability to bear weight on his legs. He was admitted to Queen’s Hospital in Nottingham for an MRI scan on his spine, and was diagnosed with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) as a result of a prostate tumour.
After a stay at the hospital and following an assessment, Geoffrey was discharged to The Laurels, our neurological rehabilitation and specialist residential service in Lincolnshire, stating that he wanted somewhere he could work on his physio to be able to restore mobility, with the long-term goal of returning home to his partner.
Geoffrey takes part in GRASP (Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Programme) at The Laurels, designed to improve arm and hand strength and coordination, with the goal of being able to complete daily activities — such as personal care and food preparation. As he is now wheelchair bound, GRASP supports Geoffrey to be able to learn how to move effectively in his wheelchair.
The intensive rehabilitation programme devised by the team includes physiotherapy to support him to reach his goals. In his sessions, Geoffrey has been working towards independent mobility. He has been taught to transfer himself into or out of his wheelchair and bed using a slide-board.
Once Geoffrey is able to move back home, he can use these skills taught during his physiotherapy sessions to move independently in the short term, whilst he works on strengthening his legs.
Geoffrey engages in the group social activities both at The Laurels and out in the community. He gets involved in the arts and crafts, social activities with fellow residents and structured group therapy exercise sessions.
Additionally, Geoffrey was struggling with his mental health and was supported by our Clinical Psychologist to consider the impact of the physical trauma of his surgeries, the new disabilities he is living with and his cancer diagnosis. At The Laurels, Geoffrey has been given a safe space to communicate his feelings and needs.
Since being welcomed at the service, Geoffrey and his family have noticed great improvement. His son noted a visual improvement and remarked that he was starting to look like his old self again.
Geoffrey’s goal now is to be able to come back to the service once he has left, to be able to provide help and support for others who may be going through similar experiences.
For more information about The Laurels, please visit their webpage.
