For Ian Hughes, football, squash and racketball have always played a part in his active lifestyle. But when knee pain began to creep in, he underwent a knee arthroscopy, which revealed a torn meniscus.
Despite this being repaired, the pain not only persisted, it intensified. Ian returned to his GP who advised him that at 60 years old, he was too young to have a knee replacement.
Ian spent the next eight years taking the painkiller Naproxen.
He explained: “When I was watching tv, a bolt of pain would shoot up my leg. I became tired of taking painkillers and decided I had been on them for too long.”
Ian, from Orpington, asked his GP to be referred to The Horder Centre after hearing about the positive experiences of several friends. He was referred as an NHS patient and saw Mr Lee David, a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon.
His X-ray revealed the meniscus in both knees had worn away and he would need both knees replaced. It was agreed that his right knee, with the most severe pain, would be operated on first, in December 2022, followed by the left knee in August 2023.
Despite this being repaired, the pain not only persisted, it intensified. Ian returned to his GP who advised him that at 60 years old, he was too young to have a knee replacement.
Ian spent the next eight years taking the painkiller Naproxen.
He explained: “When I was watching tv, a bolt of pain would shoot up my leg. I became tired of taking painkillers and decided I had been on them for too long.”
Ian, from Orpington, asked his GP to be referred to The Horder Centre after hearing about the positive experiences of several friends. He was referred as an NHS patient and saw Mr Lee David, a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon.
His X-ray revealed the meniscus in both knees had worn away and he would need both knees replaced. It was agreed that his right knee, with the most severe pain, would be operated on first, in December 2022, followed by the left knee in August 2023.
Despite this being repaired, the pain not only persisted, it intensified. Ian returned to his GP who advised him that at 60 years old, he was too young to have a knee replacement.
Ian spent the next eight years taking the painkiller Naproxen.
He explained: “When I was watching tv, a bolt of pain would shoot up my leg. I became tired of taking painkillers and decided I had been on them for too long.”
Ian, from Orpington, asked his GP to be referred to The Horder Centre after hearing about the positive experiences of several friends. He was referred as an NHS patient and saw Mr Lee David, a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon.
His X-ray revealed the meniscus in both knees had worn away and he would need both knees replaced. It was agreed that his right knee, with the most severe pain, would be operated on first, in December 2022, followed by the left knee in August 2023.
Ian adds: “Mr David was thorough explaining all the pros and cons. There are risks in any operation, but I had made up my mind that I wanted it done. It was impacting all the things I wanted to do: racketball, golf, walking.
“I was already a member of a gym, so when I received the booklet to prepare me for surgery, I started to do the recommended stretches in the gym and tried to slowly build the muscle to make the leg fitter.”
On both occasions, Ian spent two nights at The Horder Centre and continued a steady recovery at home. Each time, he slowly returned to the gym and began to measure his progress by moving the seat of the bike and rowing machine a little further each time.
Ian, who has since recommended The Horder Centre to his friends, adds: “The physiotherapists were great. The first time around is a learning curve, remembering to go up the steps leading with your ‘good foot’, but by the time the second operation comes around, you already know it.
“It is an amazing place. Everybody was very professional and extremely efficient. There was no waiting around in reception and any letters were sent within 48 hours after visiting the Centre.”
“The first recovery wasn’t as painful, but it was slower, most likely due to the time of year with slippery leaves and snow on the ground. After the second operation, I was able to get to the gym earlier (about four weeks after the procedure) and the flex I was achieving on my knee was exactly the same as I was achieving before the operation. If you have the use of it, a gym is so important.”
Ian Hughes
We provide outstanding patient experiences
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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