"Rehab journey following bilateral knee replacements"

I had major surgery in September 2018 at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, having bilateral knee replacements simultaneously. Following my operation, I had visits from both physiotherapist and occupational therapists on the ward, which facilitated an early discharge home.

I was discharged on the Friday and told that the out-patient physiotherapy department would be in touch, I thought this would take some time however, I received a phone call on the following Monday and an appointment was arranged for the Tuesday. I thought what an excellent and prompt service. Fortunately I live only a few miles from the hospital and managed to get friends to give me lifts to my appointments of which there were many, and I don’t know how I would have managed otherwise.

The physiotherapy team at OPD 5, in particular Senior physiotherapist Yvonne, were amazing, they were flexible with appointment times, professional, friendly and able to give good advice to me to continue my rehab between appointments.

Unfortunately I had an unexpected admission a few weeks later for a different matter, and members of the team visited me (when my original appointments were scheduled) and again provided me with advice and equipment to ensure my rehab continued.

My journey continued, however progress was still slow and I was referred back to my consultant by the physiotherapist for consideration of manipulation under anaesthetic, which was arranged for Dec 2018. Following this I was seen more intensely for the next few weeks and as things progressed I was offered a knee replacement class that I attended for 6 weeks. I was finally discharged in June 2019.

During all stages of my rehabilitation I felt supported, encouraged and nothing was ever a problem. I had some very low moments and they were always there for me, a real credit to their profession. They motivated me and my journey would have been considerably extended if not for their help.