Ann Fitzpatrick | Total Hip Replacement

Ann Fitzpatrick

Hip Surgery

“I’m thrilled I am able to go skiing at Christmas”

For years, Ann Fitzpatrick had lived with the challenge of osteoarthritis, which had slowly crept into different joints in her body. But it wasn’t until her hip pain became agonising that the suggestion of a hip replacement was discussed.

Up until then, Ann, 62, had tried various methods for keeping her hip pain under control, including following exercises from physiotherapists to steroid injections, which provided relief for six weeks until the pain returned.

“I was in agony and experiencing referred pain down my leg,” Ann explained. “There was not a day that I didn’t experience pain. Swimming and Pilates were becoming more difficult to achieve, and although I was still enjoying walking, I had resorted to using sticks.”

Through her GP, Ann was referred to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Christopher Buckle as an NHS patient at Eastbourne District General Hospital, who confirmed she needed a total hip replacement.

However, when she learned of the long NHS waiting list, she decided to see him as a private patient at The Horder Centre in Crowborough.

Your Guide to Preparing for Hip Surgery

Hip surgery is a common procedure designed to relieve pain and restore mobility, often necessary due to arthritis, fractures, or long-term joint damage. Proper preparation is key to a successful outcome and smoother recovery. In this guide, we walk you through what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

She said: “Mr Buckle was a physiotherapist before becoming a surgeon, so I felt he had a lot of knowledge. He was direct and made me feel comfortable.

“I went in for surgery at 8am and had no problems. I went from recovery then onto the ward. All of the nursing staff were very good. I was seen by the physiotherapists who risk assessed me, showed me how to walk up and down the stairs, and told me which exercises I needed to do. There are 13 steps up to my house and 23 steps inside, but I had no concerns about going home. I just made sure I took one step at a time.

“I was very careful for those first two weeks of recovery. I did the exercises, rested, and did a little walking. By two and a half weeks, I progressed to the next set of exercises in the booklet.

“I saw Mr Buckle for a follow up appointment at six weeks, and he was happy with my progress. I am now swimming 1000 metres per day four times a week, and I’m back to my five-mile dog walks. Mr Buckle advised that I have to wait for three months post-surgery to return to Pilates, but I’m thrilled I am able to go skiing at Christmas.”

“I’m delighted with Ann’s recovery and the progress she has made since her hip replacement. She approached her rehabilitation with real dedication, following the exercises carefully and steadily building her strength. It’s a pleasure to see her back swimming, enjoying long walks, and even planning to ski at Christmas, a testament to her hard work and determination.”

Mr Christopher Buckle, Consultation Hip and Knee Surgeon

Mr Christopher Buckle

Mr Buckle is an Orthopaedic Consultant specialising in hip and knee surgery. His clinical expertise encompasses the management of degenerative hip and knee conditions using modern and minimally invasive techniques. His clinical expertise also involves the management of problematic, painful, and failing hip and knee replacements.

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The Horder Centre is an award-winning Centre of Excellence that offers patients a unique therapeutic environment. Specifically designed for orthopaedic surgery, our facilities include a physiotherapy inpatient gym and courtyard gardens designed by clinical experts to enhance recovery. Finance options available.