A few years ago, Loren was recovering from an operation after breaking her leg, when she noticed swelling, redness and pain. Thinking that the symptoms would soon pass, she thought nothing of it. That was until the pain grew worse and an ulcer started to form on her leg.
She went to her GP, who immediately rushed her to Whipps Cross Hospital for an emergency operation. She had been diagnosed with severe chronic osteomyelitis – an infection in the bone that can cause serious long-term problems if not treated in time. It would go on to affect her life for the next six years.
Loren explains: “My range of movement was incredibly limited, and I would have fevers and throw up – all the physical signs of infection. When they told me what it was, I was relieved that there was an answer to all these problems. I’d just gotten used to living in pain, so I was relieved that there would be a plan to help me get better.”
Loren in hospital
The long road to recovery
Over the next few years, Loren faced a whirlwind of checkups, medication and operations at both Whipps Cross Hospital and The Royal London Hospital to try and completely remove the infection. In just six years, Loren had to undergo nine operations.
“It got pretty bad. When it gets bad, you can’t walk and I could only bend my leg by three centimetres. It was really hard for a couple of years, not being able to walk. I would have fevers all the time. And after each operation, you’d have to relearn how to walk.”
Loren during her recovery
After her last operation last September, Loren has since made an incredible recovery and is now back to walking, running and doing all the activities that she used to love. Through all the highs and the lows, Loren was amazed by the dedication and compassion of the Whipps Cross and Royal London Hospital teams that treated her.
“The staff were just incredible - they didn't give up on me... I felt very much like I was part of making the decisions, which was really nice. And I'm just so grateful because I’ve got my life back.”
Walking with purpose
When Loren heard about Hike for Health, she decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to give back to Whipps Cross and The Royal London Hospital and the teams that supported her so much throughout her treatment journey. She particularly wants to thank Ward Matron Sandra, who Loren describes as “absolutely incredible, like a mum to me.”
“I’m so excited for this year’s Hike for Health, because I can raise money that can go to all of the (Barts Health) hospitals because everyone works so hard. It’s a great way for everyone to benefit, and all of my community as well. Whipps Cross Hospital and The Royal London Hospital are very important to my community, to my church community and my friends and my family.”
Loren is really excited to be fundraising for Barts Charity!
“I feel like I've come full circle – before I could barely walk, and now I'll be walking 15K to help raise money for those who helped me in my recovery. I’m going to enjoy looking around London, and I might make some friends along the way!"