Jo Day
A woman whose leg is bent permanently to her chest says she is positive ahead of an operation which could transform her life.
Jo Day, 37, from Weston-under-Lizard, Staffordshire, will have surgery to straighten her leg at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on Wednesday.
Risks could mean her body becoming stuck in another position.
Miss Day, whose leg is bent due to a neurological condition called dystonia, said there was no point “being angry”.
Brain stimulator
Her dystonia was triggered by a fall when she was a teenager, in which she broke her elbow while roller skating.
Miss Day has a deep brain stimulator in her head with wires going down the side of her body to help control her condition.
A leg has been fixed in the same position for four years.
She said: “They could get my leg down, but then I could get a spasm somewhere else.
“So instead of my leg being bent, a knee [problem] could go to the ankle, so that the foot bends up or bends back or it could go to the other leg or my back.
“But touch wood, none of that’s going to happen, because [of] positive vibes.”
Her assistance dog, Kaiser, who completes tasks such as fetching drinks and medicine, will be allowed to visit her every day in hospital.
Miss Day added: “I think it takes so much energy to be down than it does to be happy.
“Just because I had this, it isn’t anyone’s fault, so there’s no point being angry with the world or anyone else.”
Same Difference 
Jo. Best of luck with your operation. You have a very positive attitude and I hope the doctors will be able to make things better for you.
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I’d never heard of Dystonia before – another condition to look up so I can understand.
This site has opened my eyes to alot of things.
I didn’t know what EB was before I found this site.
There are some remarkable people living with some really tricky obstacles in their way.
You really are a very positive person – I’m sure you’re right – things have no other option but to be ok.
In the face of so much positivity, how could the universe refuse!?
I love to hear of stories like yours Jo because it means that we are getting closer all the time to being viewed in a more positive way, and of course you’re inspiring some of us who are struggling.
We’ve to be seen as (yes) physically-disabled but beyond that certainly not spiritually disabled people!
People that others can look to, not with pity but with pride!
Not whinging moaning complaining do nots – just happy grateful doers – making the most of life – the post about Dan McIntyre today made me smile too!
Sites like this and campaigning that raises awareness are so necessary!
From blogs and replies to comments I have found most of us to be incredibly upbeat – despite having our problems we are steadfast in our views and opinions and very glad, as I am, to have access to this medium whereby we can deliver a defiant poke in the eye of adversity!
I hope everything goes well for you in your operation on Wednesday, and very much so thereafter.
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