I'm a diabetic with chronic back and leg pain. I had an accident in 2001 and had to have surgery to trim my L2/L3 disc and decompression of the spine. Even though the surgery is deemed a success I'm still left with chronic back and leg pain. The MRI scan I have had since doesnt show an 'on/off' switch that could be operated on so it's a case of medication and learning to live with the pain. I'm currently under pain clinic at Hallamshire and waiting to go on a pain management programme.

My worry is that since the accident I've put on 2 stone in weight. I'm getting married later this year and desperately want to lose the weight. I'm in Shiregreen so my nearest sports centre is Concord. Can any of you recommend any activities I should try?

Swimming? Would seem the most applicable to your situation as it shouldn't put undue stress on the back and joints. Though remember you only lose weight if callories in < callories out so you may need to keep an eye on the callories too...

Your best bet would be to get a program put together by a physiotherapist, as this would be the safest option given you back etc....