"Giving me back my independence"

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in Dec 2013 at the age of almost 70. This was a huge blow for me as I had been such a fit and active person. During the period of 2015/2016 my mobility deteriorated significantly and I was in terrible pain, initially I felt that my mobility issue must be as a consequence of my Parkinson's however when I seen my consultant he sent me for xrays which revealed severe osteoarthritis.

At the beginning of May 2016 I was referred for an orthopaedic review with a view to hip replacement. During this period my mobility was severely limited and my pain at times unbearable. I lost my independence and had to rely on my family for help with my daily needs, I had to use a wheel chair to go even a short distance, I no longer recognised myself and hated being so dependant on others.

Eventually at the end of October I received an appt for review at Monklands hospital I was reviewed by an Orthopaedic consultant who said I would not be a candidate for surgery due to having Parkinson's disease and stated his opinion was that this could only end one way for me and it would not be positive. Myself and my family were devastated by this however he did tell me he would refer me for a 2nd opinion. After this consultation I decided I did not want another opinion but my Parkinson's consultant encouraged me to attend as he felt my Parkinson's was very well controlled and should In no way rule me out of an operation.

In December 2016 I received an appt for review at Hairmyers Hospital. I was seen by Mr Perisamy who after reviewing me felt that I would infact be a candidate for a hip replacement, if only for pain relief for me. I was unsure due to my 1st appt as it had left me shaken and disheartened. Mr Perisamy was very understanding and arranged a follow up appt for me in January which would give me time to consider my options. In January I attended again and informed Mr Perisamy I would like to go ahead as I couldn't cope with the pain any longer and my quality of life was so poor.

I had the operation in March 2017. I was expected to spend a few weeks in hospital to rehab following the procedure(due to my parkinsons) I was admitted to ward 1 Hairmyers and much to my friends and families surprise was discharged 5 days later!  I'm am now almost 7 weeks post Op and feel I am doing well. I am able to mobilise a fair distance and care for myself again. I still have a significant way to go but I am now in the process of reducing all my pain medications. I am so grateful to Mr Perisamy for his kindness care and compassion for seeing me as more than a Parkinson's victim and for giving me back my independence and some enjoyment in life again.