After 25 years of working in construction as a flat roofer, the repetitive strain, heavy lifting, and constant kneeling took a severe toll on Ian Foy’s knee, ultimately leading to degeneration that required a knee replacement.
Ian, 72 from Seaford, said: “I used to fall over every time I took my dog for a walk. I had to start using a walking stick because I couldn’t put pressure on my knee. I just didn’t have the stability or support in the knee.
“The pain was excruciating. I would get through tubes of Voltarol and countless painkillers.”
Ian visited his GP, who initially referred him to Horder Healthcare Eastbourne, where diagnostic X-rays were taken. The X-rays showed that the cartilage had worn away and his knee joint was bone on bone.
His GP eventually referred him to Horder Healthcare Seaford, where he had a consultation with Mr Andrew Skyrme, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Mr Skyrme confirmed Ian required a total knee replacement.
During his pre-assessment, Ian was advised to cut down on his alcohol consumption in the lead up to surgery and to not drink 48 hours before the operation. He was also told his ingrown toenail needed to be treated before surgery could go ahead. It is important to treat any underlying bacterial infections to guard against infection in the knee joint.
Ian explained: “From the moment I got to reception, to seeing the first nurse who took my blood pressure and weight, I couldn’t believe how thorough and caring everybody was.
“In the lead up to the operation, I religiously read the booklet provided by The Horder Centre and incorporated the exercises they provided into the Joe Wicks workouts I was doing.
“By the time it came for the operation, I had every confidence in The Horder Centre.”
Ian had a lumbar puncture and general anaesthetic, and the operation took around 45 minutes. The following day, he was able to walk several steps on crutches and practice going up and down the stairs.
By the afternoon, he was walking from his room down the corridor to physio on his crutches. After two nights at The Horder Centre, Ian went home to continue his recovery.
He said: “Because I had been doing the exercises in the booklet, my recovery went very well. When I had the clips taken out a few weeks later, the nurse said the scar was already healing very quickly.
“It’s been nine months since the procedure and I still do the exercises in the booklet. I’d advise anyone to read it thoroughly and follow all the advice.
“Now I don’t need to walk with a stick except when I’m on the Downs when I need it for extra support.
“Mr Skyrme is a brilliant doctor with a great bedside manner. He was calming and had a great sense of humour, along with the nurses who looked after me when I came round from the procedure.
“The whole experience was very calm and relaxed.”
“I am delighted Mr Foy has had an excellent result. This is down to his diligent approach to rehabilitation and also the team’s approach provided throughout the entire patient journey. Ian, I wish you many years of walking and use with your new knee.”
Mr Andrew Skyrme, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
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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.
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