Growing up in Ireland and into my 20s, I loved playing sport, including football and running. Nothing too serious—mainly with local teams and friends. I was also a very keen snowboarder, travelling to Europe once or twice every winter for a week. It was something I absolutely loved.

I first hurt my back around 2007. I was 26 or maybe 27 and probably the fittest I had ever been at the time. I had an MRI and was diagnosed with a “bulging” disc at L5/S1. I was advised that this was nothing too serious and could best be managed through conservative treatment such as abdominal strengthening.

Despite my best efforts, including considerable time in the gym doing exercises I didn’t enjoy, I could never build up the required strength or overcome the issue. Every time I tried any quick movement or twist, it seemed to aggravate the nerves near my disc, sending my back into spasms, restricting movement for days and causing shooting pains down my leg.

Over the course of a number of years, I had several MRIs and the result was always the same: the disc “was not that bad” with no obvious nerve impingement. But for me, something wasn’t right as when aggravated it was torture. Eventually, I started to accept that this was my life and I stopped trying to play sport and had to give up my annual ski trips. One of the hardest parts was that, because no one could see my pain, it was difficult for others to understand how severe it really was…. Or was it all in my head! Some days were good, others were bad—I never knew until I got out of bed.

In mid-2019, I had my second child. As the next months passed, my back became significantly worse. Simply putting her down and lifting her from the cot became increasingly difficult, lifting a tiny new born baby…..let that settle in to understand the pain!!!!

There were many times my back would completely spasm and I would end up lying on the ground beside the cot, while the baby remained in the cot oblivious to what felt like an 80 or 90 year old on the floor in agony beside her! At this stage, the pain and limitations were beginning to take a serious toll on my mental wellbeing. My older child was also becoming more active, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up for much longer.

I had another MRI (the first in three or four years) and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease at L5/S1. I was almost relieved, as this was finally something different. The consultant in Ireland had a plan—to perform a spinal fusion, something he had done hundreds of times,, it was standard procedure for my condition he told me. However, at the same consultation, his physiotherapist strongly advised me against surgery and recommended continuing conservative treatment. I didn’t know what to do. What are you supposed to think in a situation like that?

In a strange way, COVID came at a good time for me. With everything shut down, I could manage my pain at home without the stress of commuting or social situations. More importantly, it gave me time to research. I knew I did not want fusion—I felt I was too young, and once done, there would be no going back. I also knew that if I wanted any quality of life—for myself and my family—I had to do something and needed to act.

Through online research I discovered Artificial Disc Replacement as a viable alternative to fusion. I found many positive outcomes, including people returning to sport with minimal restrictions in mobility. I read medical papers and educated myself on the suitability criteria. I became convinced this was a much better option for me over fusion.

However, I learned that the procedure was not available in Ireland, and my consultant continued to insist fusion was the best option.

I resumed my research and contacted several patients who had undergone the procedure. I narrowed my options down to specific disc types, countries, and surgeons. Being based in Ireland, I had easy access to centres in Germany and France.

After sending my scans to four consultants in Europe, I was reassured to receive very similar diagnoses and treatment plans from each. The next step was choosing the right surgeon. From speaking with other patients, I had some expectations—but as soon as I spoke with Dr. Desai, I was hugely impressed by his calm, authoritative confidence. His experience was extremely reassuring. Simply put, I immediately felt he was the right person for the job.

I won’t pretend the decision to travel abroad for surgery wasn’t terrifying. I actually cried the days before I left for the first time in years! I was scared…..but I knew doing nothing was not an option. I had to try to improve what was fast becoming a life not worth living. I had to trust my judgment, I had done considerable research and genuinely felt this was the right decision.

My procedure was scheduled for August 2022, while COVID restrictions were still in place. With two young children to mind at home, my wife couldn’t come. I had to make the trip alone.

My journey involved travelling to Germany and isolating for five days before surgery in the hospital. Dr. Desai’s team were outstanding. In particular, Adriana Eggert was incredibly professional and supportive. I frequently emailed in advance and while in isolation, often with small or repetitive questions. She always responded quickly and clearly, making the process far easier than I expected.

When I finally met Dr. Desai in person, I found him to be a true gentleman. I explained how nervous I was, and he reassured me completely, explaining his approach, the hospital’s capabilities, and importantly, that there was no pressure to proceed. He even reminded me, I was free to leave if I chose with no hard feelings at all.

Despite my back feeling relatively better in the weeks leading up to surgery, I knew that if I wanted a better future—for my health, my mind and my family—I had to go ahead with it.

I’m very glad I did.

I remember waking up after surgery feeling dazed, like a hangover. As I became more aware, I noticed something felt different in my back. I wasn’t sure if it was the absence of pain, the effect of medication, or truly the relief of nerve pressure—but something had changed.

Dr. Desai visited me that day and confirmed the surgery had gone well. Over the following days, he checked in regularly and reviewed my progress. I was struck by the level of personal care—something I hadn’t experienced before (I have had a few other non-back related surgeries in Ireland).

I stayed in hospital for two weeks, followed by rehabilitation nearby for another week. This period was invaluable, providing access to care, reassurance, and close monitoring. Naturally, I had moments of doubt, but Dr. Desai and his team were always available and supportive.

After three weeks, I returned home to Ireland. Dr. Desai continued to review my progress and remained available for follow-up queries. Eventually, I had to trust the process, follow the guidance provided and begin living normally again.

Dr. Desai advised that I could return to exercise after about six months. In truth, I took closer to a year—I wanted to maximise my recovery.