"My hip replacement operation"

This personal story is primarily a big THANK YOU to the team and staff on the St Joseph’s ward at St Michaels Hospital, Hayle, in regards to my Hip Replacement Operation last week

I am not always the easiest person to please, and do not resonate with some aspects of the Allopathic medical paradigm. So, I mean it when I say, I am well impressed at the service I received and I found the atmosphere efficient and friendly

Thank you to the nursing team: Chris, Patience, Natalie, Carol (and apologies to the other nurses whose names I have forgotten), Seb from physio and Becky from OT, and all other staff without exception. Even the food (in spite of the infamous hospital food reputation), was pretty good. My only criticism, was poor wi-fi reception.

I found Mr Norton and the surgical team competent, friendly and informative and I felt safe in their hands.

Of course, I was anxious going for a hip replacement. After all it is a big operation. Though the NHS consider it routine, the risks relatively low and the success rate high, for me it felt like a major life event. I have had an active life, whenever possible in tune with my body physically through many sports, and energetically though various physical and healing therapies, and I have worked as a movement therapist. So, when I got the diagnosis of osteoarthritis four years ago, it was a bit of a blow. I have managed the symptoms well, using supplements, Tia Chi, yoga, conscious dance etc. And though I was not in great pain, Mr Norton advised not to risk further deterioration, to go for the surgery, and I instinctively trusted his opinion.

This operation opens up, reconditions and reinserts the top of the femur in the hip joint, with minimal damage to soft tissues, facia, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Fifty years ago this standard procedure would have been impossible. The miracle of modern medicine (to be used in conjunction with taking personal responsibility for our health and wellbeing), is something that is not just an intellectual concept to me. As a result of this operation, I am left it is a deeply felt sense of gratitude to the NHS, and in a bigger sense for our human genius and ingenuity. 

I hope that we can do whatever ‘surgery’ is needed in these unstable times to recondition our health, political and environmental institutions and systems.

Thank you.