There are times lads when it pays to listen to those with experience!! Even when it’s the wife!!!

Following spring garden work at ground level, tidying up after winter, the lifetime weakness in my lower back crept in and gradually got worse prior to Easter. Almost constant pain, when stood and I had to sit down.

I don’t know why but I am much better walking naturally, without being afraid to put the hurting foot to the ground and I go longer before the pain returns. When I stand still at the sink, for instance, the pain returns immediately and takes longer to stop.

“Get the step stool to sit on while you do it,” said Sylvia. A complete lack of sympathy I thought and hinted, with as much diplomacy as I could muster. “No,” she said. “That’s what I used to do when you were at work, the kids at school and I was ill sometimes.” “It takes longer but it might help you to do it.” It’s also good for doing the veg, ironing and anything else you can do sitting.”

You know what? It did and I went on to fold the dry towels from the clothes line before needing a short rest again.