Rolling with the Deep: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Joy with byACRE
Introduction
Living with chronic pain can make your world feel small.
It grinds you down. As you try and cope day by day you begin to avoid anything hard or unnecessary. Life can shrink into a quiet, sad, and sometimes lonely existence.
In my groin area I carry a TVT-O pelvic mesh implant (Tension free vaginal tape -- obturator) inserted through the obturator foramen. Unfortunately, as with many other women, my body never adjusted to it.
Instead, I have lived with chronic inflammation, autoimmune responses and ongoing, worsening mobility.
In 2020 The Glasgow Complex Mesh Service was founded to support women like me -- those living with the consequences of mesh complications. As part of their care, I was offered psychological counselling. That is where my journey with byACRE and Assist Mobility began.
Finding My Way Back to Music and Life
Before my implant I was curious and spontaneous. I thrived in the loud, chaotic energy of pubs, clubs and festivals, surrounded by colour, people and most of all, music.
My teenage years and twenties were filled with concerts and festivals from Oasis to The Prodigy. Whether it was T in the Park or a pop-up gig dancing to Alisha's Attic on Salford Quays. If the opportunity arose, I was there. I loved to travel with friends and family especially if it meant seeing somewhere new. Again, if the chance came, I took it.
My condition means I can walk a little. Sit and stand but not for long and never far. So, it goes walk, stand, rest, and repeat. It is an exhausting existence at times.
I may look fine. But inside I am measuring, calculating, and negotiating every single move I make. There is no spontaneity anymore.
The Turning Point: Accepting Help
My year of counselling with the Complex Mesh Service made me realise how small my world had become and during one session my psychologist suggested to me the importance of the mobility aid. She asked me to really listen to it, to focus in on the word aid and what it means. It is not a symbol of weakness. It is an aid to help me keep walking, stay mobile, and continue being me.
It took time to come to terms with needing something that, in our society, is so often associated with frailty and old age.
"I used to think acceptance meant giving up."
Giving up hope of finding the solution. But the more we chatted over the sessions the more I realised I could not change what has happened to me, but I was holding myself back.
Discovering byACRE
I came across Assist Mobility online and through them, discovered the byACRE rollator. I loved the design, so sleek, so modern and the colours, they spoke to me personally.
I knew byACRE was the rollator I wanted. Exploring the company's website gave me access to informative videos and articles that helped me understand how easy it was to use, and how it had enhanced other people's lives.
I returned to Assist Mobility to place my order, they explained I could claim VAT relief if I had a medical condition that meant I needed a mobility aid. That made the process feel not just accessible but affirming.
I chose the cream coloured Oyster White Carbon Ultralight, a super lightweight glossy and stylish rollator who I have called George (Due to my love of music legend George Michael!). It arrived quickly and fully built. I unboxed it and read the clear instruction booklet, which explained how to use the lock, the brakes, and how to adjust the arms to suit my height. It explained the seat and which way to sit. All incredibly easy.
George Changes Everything
We took George with us on a family holiday. It felt easier to try him out away from home at first, while I got used to him. Outside a shop on the beautiful Moray coast, a lady stopped me to ask where she could get one! I was flattered and happy to help, explaining who designed the rollator and pointing her to the Assist Mobility website.
"byACRE helped me find myself again."
I could go to the theatre enjoying music through musicals and cinema, without worrying if I had to queue or needing to stand. I have attended school events for my children. Explored holiday destinations again and used the rollator for walking, standing, and sitting. I saw colour, music and life return. George became part of me, woven into family life, outings, and events.
This summer George helped me do something I was not sure was possible: attend a family wedding in a different city and stay the entire day. It was not just about being there, it was about being present, laughing, connecting, showing up for family. That day was a huge, wonderful win for me. A reclaiming of joy. A reclaiming of presence.
Adding Jade to the Adventure
In 2025 I decided to also purchase the byACRE Carbon Overland. A sturdy rollator with rubber wheels designed for outdoor use. I chose in a beautiful shiny khaki green, and she is called Jade (This time after another favourite singer of mine and pop superstar Jade Thirlwall!). Jade has made my accessibility to beaches and woodland walks a joy this summer. She really has upped the ante for me. It has been the most outdoorsy active summer I have had in a long time.
Thanks to George and Jade I am indeed rolling with the deep widening my world again and looking forward to MANY new adventures!
Learn More About George and Jade
About the Author
Emma Jane Mackay
Emma Jane Mackay is a Social Care Worker from Inverness, mum of three, music lover, and mobility aid advocate. Her writing blends raw honesty with humor, sharing how rollators like George and Jade helped her reclaim spontaneity, independence, and joy.