Life is a funny thing, particularly mine. I collapsed immediately after work on Friday during salaat-ul-Maghrib on Friday 22nd 1999. (I had a sudden pain in my spine-very similar to an electric shock) I was then unconscious for 14 hours.

Upon waking I found that I was paralysed from the neck down. The Doctor's asked if I had any idea of what may have caused this? I replied that I did not know.

I then underwent a series of tests: CT brain scan, ECG (heart trace), Lung function tests (as I had breathing problems) and a lumbar puncture (a needle in the spine).

Later I was informed that one of my arteries in my spine had been leaking for about two weeks. This is what had caused my collapse. I was then transferred to Queens Park Hospital.

I was kept under observation for a few days after which my condition began to detereorate rapidly. I was unable to eat or drink. I was then transferred to the neurological and intensive care unit in Preston. Here I was given injections every two hours and tablets and I was not eating I was placeed on a drip for four weeks. I hadn't eaten for 16 days.
I also had more investigations done: Angiogram (a dye in to your arteries which then shows up on x-ray), ECG, MRI and CT scans again. I received physiotherapy and had a spine operation to stop the blood leaking. Later after another angiogram was being performed I experienced severe pain. My blood pressure dropped, as did my heart rate and I was unconscious for a few hours.

Later that night: I stopped breathing for a few minutes and I thought I was dying. So I read the Kalimah in my mind. Come and take, I am ready for you". Then suddenly I started breathing again. I was put on a life support machine for a few days which was an absolute nightmare. "I am lucky to be alive". I stayed in hospital for 2.5 weeks. Regular physiotherapy was also a knightmare.
Unfortunately there was still no improvement/movement in my legs. I could feel nothing from the neck down.

I made a gradual improvement and was transferred to Q.P.H. I was in the emergency ward where I had many tests done on my legs and physiotherapy was continued which weas very difficult for me.

I was in a ward where every body was over 80 which didn't help matters.

Suddenly! One morning after my Fajar Sallat, I had a sudden feeling in my legs. (I was so relieved, I prayed to Allah and thanked him. I had tears in my eyes.

Since that day I had a positive attitude towards my illnes and my morale improved. Then began my fight for my legs. I was on a wheelchair for a few weeks. With this experience I wanted to be independent. Dependance was not a good feeling.

I kept the fight up. When I walked for the first time I cried. Everyone on the ward inc the nurses and doctors were happy too. I was under haevy medication trhroughout this time. Also there were 14 deaths on the ward Morale was low.

Also I missed no salah during this time. I was regularly visited by Imaams/scholars at the hospital.

This is a great blessing of Allah. I appreciate everything. Be strong, be confident, read your namaaz and pray to allah.

"Cherish the life you have because you do not know what is going to hit you round the corner".
"Life is a gift of Allah- Use it don't abuse it"

I am very lucky to be walking, This was a very difficult period for me, rehabiliting myself.

The bottom line is line is I am suffering from spinal Haemorrhage and Paralysis.

"My legs can drop of anytime of the day- collapse anytime of the day"

"Life goes on, but the pain always remains."