A dance-loving vicar from Caerphilly has triumphantly returned to the dance floor after overcoming an “intensely painful” health struggle.
Sue Brown, 76, and her husband Laurie, also 76, have cherished dancing together for 57 years since meeting at university. Their shared love for ballroom dancing was jeopardized when Sue began experiencing severe lower back pain and loss of bladder control.
The retired vicar expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I felt sad and disappointed, as dancing was something I really enjoyed doing. It’s something that brings me and my husband closer together, especially in retirement, as it’s a passion we both share.”
Sue’s love for dancing started in childhood, a dream deferred due to her parents’ financial constraints. In retirement, she and Laurie joined evening ballroom dancing classes at Shapells studio, where they rekindled their connection and made many friends.
However, in 2021, Sue’s debilitating pain made it challenging to walk or stand for long periods, let alone dance. Desperate to continue her passion, Sue sought help from her GP but faced delays in getting a follow-up appointment. Frustrated, she researched alternative healthcare options, leading her to Infiniti Healthcare in Cardiff.
Infiniti Healthcare, a private clinic specializing in pelvic health, menopause, and wellbeing, was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Kiron and Nadia Bhal. Sue found their approach to be much more empathetic and effective.
In October 2023, Sue had a pessary inserted—a removable device that supports pelvic organs from prolapse—and felt “instant relief.” She shared her joy, saying, “I missed the joy grooving brought me and I decided enough was enough. When I visited Dr. Nadia at Infiniti Healthcare, she made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. It’s not an easy subject, pain or bladder leakage, but one she fixed with ease. I was able to return to dancing straight away, which was wonderful. Now I can dance without worrying about any physical issues.”
Sue reflected on her recovery, adding, “I don’t think I realized how much it was affecting me until I got better. Then my energy came back and I was able to do the things I loved once again. When you’re in pain all the time, it’s draining – but now I’ve got my life back. It’s brought back the feeling of joy and uplift that dancing gives me.”
Nadia and Kiron Bhal emphasize the importance of pelvic health and its impact on women’s overall wellbeing. Nadia explained, “It’s so important to listen to women and learn what is important to them, to come up with minimally invasive solutions that allow women to get back to full health. Vaginal ring pessaries are underutilized in practice but can be so effective at helping relieve symptoms and giving women their lives back.”
Infiniti Healthcare celebrated Sue’s recovery by sharing a video of her return to dancing on Instagram as part of their Tuesdaytales series, highlighting her inspiring journey and the clinic’s role in restoring her passion.
Sue and Laurie, proud parents of Chris, 50, Paul, 48, Lisa, 46, and Laura, 45, are thrilled to be back on the dance floor, enjoying their shared passion and making the most of their retirement together.
