A MAN from Bournemouth has described how a rare and serious condition that made him feel like he had “been electrocuted” has changed his life. 

James Martin was 32 when he was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) which is a type of spinal stenosis where all of the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed.

Symptoms of CES include sciatica on both sides, weakness or numbness in both legs and having issues with urination.

Bournemouth Echo: James Martin who has CESJames Martin who has CES (Image: Cauda Equina Champions Charity)

James was due to go for a walk with his wife Kate and their friends when he felt his legs were aching and decided to stay at home.

The following day James, Kate, and their children went to do their weekly supermarket shop and as their toddler went running off James went to retrieve him when he felt something ‘pop’.

James said: “Walking out of the supermarket was a struggle but getting into the car was even harder. I felt like I had been electrocuted. I had to fold myself, hugging my knees towards my chest to stand any chance of getting home. It was then that I knew something was seriously wrong.

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He added: “That night, Kate called an ambulance as I was practically rolling around on the floor screaming in pain.

"They gave me gas and air, which helped to get me upstairs into the comfort of our bed. I was as high as a kite but finally in a position that I could tolerate. They told me to get in touch with my GP tomorrow morning if the pain resumed.”

James went to see the GP the following morning who signed him off work with sciatica and prescribed him strong pain killers which worked for a while.

However, it was only when James had an acupuncture session and asked the lady ‘are you going to stick any in my legs’” and she replied, ‘I already have’, James was told to get to A&E immediately.

After getting a correct diagnosis, spinal surgery, a successful fundraiser and rehabilitation, James can now walk intermittently with crutches and on long distances must use a wheelchair.

Now James has shared his story in a book called The Lost Tribe by the Cauda Equina Champions Charity of which he is a member.

All proceeds of the book sales will be going to the charity to continue to raise awareness across the UK.

The book also contains individual stories including James’, written from the heart of medical experts, CES patients across the nation, plus the charity’s celebrity sponsor and fellow CES patient, Blue singer Duncan James.

‘The Lost Tribe’ is available on Amazon and is number one in the charity book chart.