Norma’s story
Norma Littler, 60, from Harlescott, has been greatly helped by Complementary Therapy at Severn Hospice.
I was in the Hospice for nine weeks and when I came out I started attending the Day Hospice. Everyone at the Hospice is so nice, everyone talks to you, the nurses, the cleaners and even the flower arrangers. It is nice to think that the Hospice isn’t scary.
Due to my illness I lost five stone far too quickly so I had no muscle mass. When I came to the Hospice my hands were in spasm. My right hand looked like a witch’s, I would hide it under the covers if anyone came to visit.
They asked me if I would like to see the Complementary Therapist about my hands. Sue Williams came to see me and she massaged all of my fingers to straighten them out. It didn’t happen straight away, but it really helped me. It was a lovely treat. I also had physio to help build the muscle strength in my hand. When Sue would come round, my two sisters would hold out their own hands in hope of some massages!
At the moment I am having my knee massaged as my leg isn’t quite straight from being in the same position in the bed and wheelchair. I have aromatherapy on it and I love it! When she massages me I feel like I could fall asleep during it, sometimes it is so relaxing I can’t even feel her touching me.
The Complementary Therapy has had a huge impact on my life. People tend to hear ‘alternative therapy’ and think it is something you choose away from medication, but it’s not. It gives you a feeling of well being, even though you are poorly, you feel better. I wish I could be behind Sue when she asks patients if they want a therapy and they aren’t sure, I want to shout, ‘Go on give it a go!’
