On Tuesday 16 April 2019 the surgeon operated to replace totally my "severely osteo-arthritic" right hip. The operation has consistently been a full success at every stage since then. As I am a type-one diabetic I was in theatre by 8am, conscious at 10.30am, and on my feet around the ward by 6.30pm. Pain levels were well controlled (a back-blocker, then cocodomol and paracetamol). The anaesthetist, assistant surgeon, and others explained procedures before and after the operation. Medical staff were attentive, regularly checking pain levels, comfort, personal needs, hunger and thirst, sleep patterns (all satisfactory). The physios were very helpful in action, suggestion, and explanation; they were not over-demanding at all, but enabled me to get moving quickly and correctly, and to leave SWLEOC on the afternoon of Thursday 18 April, able to ascend and descend a flight of 8 stairs with the aid of a crutch and the bannister. This excellent start to my recovery was ably followed up by 7 days at The Clavadel Rehab Centre at Guildford ( with 30 minutes each of hydrotherapy and physiotherapy daily), and then occasional visits to Physiocentric, Wimbledon, for more physiotherapy. The result is that I am walking well and reasonably swiftly now, 26 May, almost 6 weeks after the operation; I can manage without crutches although I am soon limping then, but there is no limp or discomfort if I still use one crutch. I can see that I shall soon be back to a normal life-style as of two years ago before the hip became arthritic. I am delighted, and am very grateful to the NHS, the consultant, and to all those people who have given me back youthful mobility.
"Total right hip replacement at SWLEOC"
About: Epsom Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics Epsom Hospital Trauma and orthopaedics KT18 7EG
Posted via nhs.uk
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