Cara McKee MSP returning from leave of absence
The Scottish Greens MSP, who represents West Scotland, has a rare and debilitating condition called trigeminal neuralgia, which she underwent surgery to ease the symptoms of after years of relying on medication.
Cara has discussed her operation at length with BBC Scotcast to raise awareness of the condition and discuss her post-surgery recovery. The interview will be available on BBC Sounds.
Cara McKee MSP said:
“I am so looking forward to heading back to Holyrood after my operation. Recovery from surgery is challenging at the best of times alongside juggling political life, and I am lucky to have a great team and family who have supported me through it all.
“After my interview ahead of the surgery, I had lots of people reach out to send their best wishes, which was so kind. People also got in touch to discuss their own experiences of trigeminal neuralgia. I hope that by raising awareness through my own experience I can help others feel less alone with such a debilitating and painful condition.
“It is really hard to live your life in pain or to see your loved ones suffering daily. For anyone who is struggling with symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, I urge you to get checked and ask for support and treatment.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer MSP said:
“All of us in the Scottish Greens are delighted that Cara has made a great recovery. We can’t wait to welcome her back to Parliament next week.
“Cara’s openness about her condition is admirable. Chronic pain conditions are often invisible, with many people feeling like they need to keep it to themselves or simply put up with it.
“By using her platform to publicly discuss what it's like to live with this condition, and the treatment options available, Cara will have helped others feel less isolated in their own experiences.“I hope that Cara sharing her story will give others living with chronic pain the confidence to seek the answers and support they need.”