
As I am now almost three months post full hip replacement surgery, so I wanted to write and thank Mr Nicholas Cooke and the Nuffield for an extremely successful outcome, and for making the experience much more comfortable and far less frightening than I had feared.
The theatre team and anaesthetist (Mr Pollard, I think) were so kind and gentle - I was really afraid of the entire epidural process, but was very reassured by the nurses on this team. One of the nurses actually stroked my hand as the epidural was being administered, and I cannot tell you how comforting such a small gesture was. There was no great fuss, everything was calm, everyone was concerned for my wellbeing, I was comfortable and warm and before I knew it - it was all over and to my great surprise, I was back in my room.
I could not be happier with the surgery itself, and am beyond delighted with the outcome. Mr Cooke is clearly a magician (!), as well as being very kind and professional - I would not hesitate to recommend him to others. The pain I felt afterwards was nothing like I had anticipated, and was such that only paracetemol was needed - no nasty codeine - and I was able to discard my walking stick after only two weeks. I am still feeling stronger and better each day, walking further and achieving more, the surgery was life changing for me. Furthermore, I can't believe how small the scar is after such a major operation.
I would also like to say a special thank you to my physiotherpaist, Jason Rohun, who has advised and supported me along the way, especially when I was a little confused over slightly mixed messaging or perhaps my misunderstanding, at one stage in my recovery - I had read much online about the relatively new approach (no need for raised toilet seats, not such strict adherence to the 90 degree rule etc etc), and also this was the information I was given on the day of, and the day after my operation. I was therefore rather taken aback at my first check-up consultation when the advice seemed to contradict this. I felt really disappointed and disheartened that perhaps I wouldn't get back to normal activities competely, but after a scheduled telephone appointment with Jason, his calm, reassuring explanation of what was and wasn't possible at that stage of my recovery calmed me down, and helped me back on track. His advice was much appreciated.
The Nuffield York is also extremely clean - and feels very safe and hygienic, which is very important for patient confidence (especially mine).
In sum, enormous thanks to Mr Cooke, to Jason, to the anesthetic and surgical teams and to the Nuffield, for making the whole experience as successful (sorry, I can't say enjoyable, that would be weird) as it has been. I hope I don't ever need the other hip replacing, but if I do, I know where I'll be coming.