03/09/2026
Over the past few weeks I’ve shared little pieces of what’s been unfolding with my neck, and so many of you have checked in to ask how things are going. Thank you.♥️
In January 2026, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a national Device Safety Information alert - hence ‘Project January’!😂
My neurosurgeon has confirmed that one of my M6-C disc implants is failing and my recent scans show osteolysis — part of the bone around the implant has disappeared.
If I’m honest, it has taken a little while to let it sink in. It actually feels like I’m dealing with it all on behalf of someone else.
These implants have been in my neck for 12 years. The surgery was successful and gave me a whole new lease of life. Over the years since the operation I’ve made peace with what I can and can’t do, and have been able to manage the ongoing nerve pain in my left hand, but I never imagined I’d have to face the prospect of the implants being removed.
Right now I’m in a strange in-between place. I don’t have a treatment plan yet, and I don’t know exactly what surgery or recovery might look like. One of the concerns is if it’s left too long and the bone below the implant continues to dissolve, corrective surgery then becomes very difficult and more dangerous. So, I am waiting to be referred to a specialist team who have experience with these implants and the recent UK recall. They’re carefully putting together a clearer picture from every one of their patients being recalled.
It seems there is still a lot of uncertainty.
Alongside recovering from my shoulder surgery which I had two weeks ago, it feels like a lot to hold. I’m trying, gently, to stay in the present rather than racing ahead to all the unknowns but it’s not easy.
I really hope sharing this helps others ask questions if they’re impacted by this too, seek advice if they need it, and know they’re not alone.
Thank you for all your kindness and support. I’ll keep sharing updates when I know more.💕
yogateacherlife