"Hydrotherapy Sessions"

I've just finished my course of hydrotherapy sessions in the hydrotherapy pool at Crosshouse Hospital where I was referred from Ayr Hospital following my  second shoulder replacement in January.

I had 5 sessions that were 30 minutes each and they've been so great.

The hydro-therapist was very good, she'd give me helpful exercises to do and check my progress and I found it so beneficial and enjoyable in fact.

 When I was referred they already knew my number and had my notes which was great, so they gave me a call to arrange my appointment. All I needed to bring were my toiletries and swim suit because they provide the towels and a robe for when you get out. When you get there, the assistant is very helpful and shows you all the facilities and takes you to the pool. There's a special shower to get in before you go in the pool and they check the temperature of the water regularly too. I used to be a swimming teacher and so I knew that the temperature felt just right.

There were usually three of us in the pool at once and the hydro-therapist always has all her notes ready and she divides her time between the patients, so she shows one of us an exercise and then we do it by ourselves for a certain number of repetitions and she moves onto the next person etc.then keeps going around like that.  I think this set up worked really well.

Overall I think I have been very lucky. This whole story started a few years ago when I kept on dislocating my shoulder and they decided there was nothing more they could do other than replace it, but in that process, they realised that there was a problem with my heart and I needed major heart surgery. So it was really lucky that they spotted it! So once I had had that surgery they were able to replace both of my shoulders. After my operation I went to Ayr hospital for physio on dry land to get my strength back. Both shoulders are very functional now. I was in hospital for three days after surgery. My Cheng was my surgeon and I think he must be the best for shoulder surgery. I was nervous about staying on a mixed ward after surgery, but I was lucky to be placed on a ward with just three other ladies and I have absolutely no complaints about the care in hospital. After I had finished the physio in Ayr they offered me the hydrotherapy sessions and I’m very glad I did them as I think they have been very beneficial and would be for any musculoskeletal issue.

My GP was so helpful throughout the whole process as well, she was very reassuring about everything and has really looked after me from the start of this. Dr Hunter would regularly liaise with the hospital  (both of them) to help with the process. All in all I feel very lucky to have had the treatment I have had and am thankful for the care I’ve received.