"My experience suffering with joint pain"

I visited my GP surgery many times in severe  joint pain ,unable to cope with constant pain. I was given antidepressants to help me cope, with a reluctance to investigate the source of my pain! At one point I was told that there was nothing else that could be done for me (I am in my 60s) 😒 Gradually my mobility has deteriorated, affecting every aspect of daily life

I was absolutely devastated, I persevered with  pilates ,exercise ,change of diet, and purchasing over-the-counter pain relief and regular massage, all of which was just masking the fact that I had osteoarthritis in my left hip. 

I feel that my GP should have listened to my concerns and I was so disillusioned that I felt unable to talk to them about any health concerns.

Finally, I was sent for an x-ray on my knee that showed osteoarthritis, this in turn led me to being given a physiotherapy appointment at Bideford Hospital Physiotherapy Dept.

I owe so much to my physio, David, as it was due to his professionalism and dedication to his patients, the fact that he listens and understands, that I am now being listed for hip replacement surgery x 2! One of which would probably have not been required had my GP picked up on it earlier, in my view.

I felt relief that finally I will be able to walk and do so many things that have been slowly taken away from me as my conditioned worsened over the past four years.

I was referred to the Orthopaedic Interface Clinic, where Elizabeth was once again were very professional and thorough, explaining everything to me. Finally I attended with Orthopaedic surgeon Andrew, who on an examination did not hesitate in putting me on a waiting list for both hip replacements and identified also that both my knees have osteoarthritis.

Seeing the whole me

Seeing the whole of me is what David, Andrew and Elizabeth did with such ease, something that my own GP lacked.