"Follow up to recent Knee replacements."

On the 3rd July 2014 I had a total left knee replacement the whole process was excellent the work of the doctor and his team and my work with the follow up from all the nurses, physiotherapy department, the health care teams and hygiene team and the catering was wonderful. The visits to Okehampton Physiotherapy department was wonderful two visits the first one with in two weeks of the operation and the final one a couple of weeks later, the support work was excellent, I was truly looking forward to having my right knee done at the earliest opportunity. This happened 30th August 2014 once again my whole hospital experience was wonderful, all be it this was a more painful experience, but with the care provided by the nursing teams and doctors this was well managed and remains not a bad experience. My first operation kept me in hospital for three nights but the second four nights due to issues that the teams managed and I returned home quite happy. I made my appointment with the nurse at the medical centre on both occasions as soon as I got home and my appointments were made on the days suggested by the hospital discharge team. But now imagine my surprise when contacting the Physiotherapy department the earliest appointment I can get Is the 8th October that's nearly five weeks from today, already a week and a bit after my second operation. This means before I get to see a physiotherapist after leaving hospital could be nearly six weeks, I understand the staffing situations and the budget demands but what is the cost to me should I be failing or picking up bad habits and not walking the correct way. If I am leaning or twisting my leg in the wrong position it may not be able to correct this with Physiotherapy and may require further surgery, to correct something that could have been put right with in weeks of my original surgery. It makes you wonder how many other people are put into this position, the horror stories I heard about these knee operations going badly wrong many are related they believe because of the time delay between appointments for the supporting services. After the great service I have received right the way through my personal operations I just feel a little let down when the end is so close, I may be lucky and be doing everything right with no consequences but how can i be sure.