“It’s been life-changing.”
As someone who had suffered from hip pain for many years, a decrease in activity during lockdown was a turning point for Jo Miles, who decided it was time to take action against her increasing discomfort.
Following a visit to her GP, an X-ray in January 2021 detected a small amount of arthritis. Jo, 54, began physiotherapy in Lewes and committed to the exercises, which helped. But over time, the improvement plateaued. She returned to physiotherapy, but it followed the same pattern.
“By 2024, another X-ray showed a very different picture,” said Jo. “This time, it was severe. I was advised that a minimally invasive hip replacement was the next step. My GP referred me to The Horder Centre in November 2024.
“The first person I saw was Advanced Practitioner Chris. He told me it was quite severe and I should be seen by a consultant, so I was referred to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Syed Ahmed, who I saw in January 2025. I was very impressed. He took the time to talk me through the procedure and explained everything so clearly.
“I wasn’t nervous at all about the prospect of the procedure. I felt ready to have it done. It helped that I knew others who’d gone through this before. My friends and my mother had hip replacements and said The Horder Centre was really good. They told me if you follow the exercises, you’ll recover quickly.
“The experience at The Horder Centre was exceptional. I was treated like royalty. Everyone was brilliant and very kind. They took time to explain everything and really looked after me. My husband was able to stay with me right up until I went under and then waited in the café.
“Mr Ahmed was really helpful and very reassuring beforehand. I knew exactly what was happening, and that took away any reservations I had.
“I stayed one night after the operation. Everything I needed was supplied to me, and they explained what everything was for. I was up and about the same day, walking around on one crutch straight away.
“At home, recovery went smoothly. They gave me a plastic cover so I could sit in the shower, and something to build up the height of the toilet seat. I was given clear advice on how to move about safely, and a big booklet of exercises to follow. I felt really supported, and my husband looked after me very well.
“There was some pain at first, but as soon as the wound healed, there was no tenderness or numbness. The result was impressive; I have a tiny little scar. Mr Ahmed worked so carefully, and following the procedure, he genuinely wanted to hear all about my recovery."
Mr Ahmed added: “Thank you, Jo, for sharing your inspiring journey. Your remarkable recovery highlights the excellent outcomes achievable through minimally invasive hip surgery - rapid mobility, minimal scarring, and life-changing results. It’s a testament to what modern joint replacement can offer when expertly delivered.”
“I feel so much better now, it’s been life changing. I’m back to cycling and walking. I’ve been advised not to return to running until after six months, but I can already do so many things I was struggling with before. I couldn’t go to art galleries or museums because I couldn’t stand for long periods. Now I don’t have to worry, I can stand as long as I want.”
Jo Miles
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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