In March 2015 after travelling 12 hours in a car, Maree Godwin had terrible back pain that left her bedridden for three days. Ms Godwin was referred to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for a review & was diagnosed with an L4/5 disc bulge in her lumbar spine. RBWH referred her onto the CQUniversity Health Clinic for rehabilitation. I had the privilege of speaking with Maree about her experiences at the clinic to date and how they have helped change her life for the better.
An interview with Maree Godwin
K: Tell me about your story & how the clinic has helped you?
M: Basically, my disc in my back was pushing on my sciatic nerve, and I had really bad pain down my left leg. I waited 15 months for an appointment in Brisbane where I lost a lot of condition on the left side of my body, my hips had shifted to the right, and I had almost no balance. I was very sad and depressed which prevented me from doing a lot of things with my daughter. Overall, I just had a poor quality of life. Since coming here I have my balance & strength back, I’m such a happier person with a much better quality of life. From the very first session, I could see improvements which increased my confidence so much. I still experience some mild pain, but I’ve learnt to listen to my body and understand my pain.
K: Have you been comfortable seeing student Physiotherapists while attending the clinic?
M: Yes, you are all brilliant! I get to meet lots of different people and I understand that you guys need to learn as well so I am very open to students.
K: What have you been able to achieve since seeing us at the clinic that you thought you may not have been able to achieve previously?
M: Being able to include myself in activities without the fear of reinjuring myself. I’m running most days which I couldn’t previously. Also, being able to complete daily tasks with my daughter like walking her to school and taking her to the park.
K: How has the clinic changed your life for the better?
M: My overall wellbeing, my confidence, fitness level, strength and balance. The clinic has helped me regain my life back and most importantly my self-esteem. I have even had the strength to quit smoking!
Maree Godwin’s life has changed for the better is so many ways since attending the CQUni physiotherapy clinic. This physiotherapy clinic offers many great programs & treatment interventions to change patient’s life for the better.
Visit our CQUniversity Health Clinics, public access clinics with state-of-the-art health facilities, in Brisbane, Sydney, Rockhampton and Mackay – https://www.cqu.edu.au/healthclinic
Great Article about health. Thank You for sharing.