A mother-of-four has suffered her first setback as doctors battle to save her leg.

Ann Teasdale, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is receiving revolutionary treatment in the US.

The 42-year-old has already had to have one leg amputated after contracting the condition Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. The illness spread to her other leg and doctors in the UK said it may also have to be removed.

But family and friends raised £20,000 to send her to Texas to be treated by specialist Dr Donald Rhodes.

She has been receiving treatment for more than a month and the treatment seems to be going well.

But Mrs Teasdale has been in a lot of pain this week and in a message to family and friends, she said: "Things are not easy at the moment. In fact, I'm going through hell.

"I've even thought about giving up, coming home and letting them take my leg off.

"But then I stop and think about how much everyone back home has done for me, so just for them I am going to have to stick this out."

Bill Blenkinsopp, who co-ordinated the fundraising efforts, said: "Dr Rhodes did say this would happen and she has been in pain."

Fundraising efforts are continuing and anyone who wants to help can contact Mr Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.