"A step towards a good recovery"

Almost exactly 2 years after an appointment/review was first scheduled for, I finally got to have a first Orthopaedic ICATS Outpatients appointment in-person.

The clinician, Mr McFadden, had telephoned me a few weeks' ago to finally arrange same.  At the time, I felt he had a thorough while informal and pleasant telephone manner, so had no worries about the appointment other than practicalities of getting there and back.

On arrival, main reception was reasonably efficient, I was shown lift to 2nd floor.  I sat when I got there, and the clinician phoned me to say where they were and that he would come to get me, which he did and we went the very short distance to his treatment area.

He had obviously prepared well, was aware of my main medical issues, which we recapped, and he went on to do a thorough examination of not just the foot and lower leg I had been operated on in July 2018, but also the other one.  He talked me through what he was doing, as well as enquiring of me, which was reassuring.

When that was done, we talked some more about his assessment, as well as on other relevant issues such as my hernia/groin/pelvic problems and pain, COVID effects, typical food intake and weight and exercise ability.

We then talked about footwear - the sturdier the better, and not what I was wearing for the appointment - and then went to get some supportive insoles to use, as well as elastic 'bands' for foot exercises (I've seen similar from sportsmen and sportswomen using same), and then written and illustrated descriptions for same (see below).

The doctor suggested I need to have a good discussion with my GP about the various issues' effects on each-other.

We then arranged a follow-up appointment, a telephone review, for April, he gave me an appointment card, and he showed me out, gingerly, while he got the exercises' sheet.

He led me to the lift, I thanked him and said it's always good to meet and know good practitioners in the NHS.  He said there are plenty when you know where they are.

Hopefully today will have been some steps on the way to a much-delayed but also good recovery after all.  Thank you.