With a career as a nurse, Laura was used to long shifts on her feet, but when knee pain began impacting her everyday life, she knew it was time to seek expert help.
“It was a long process between my GP and MSK to get something done,” Laura, 54, said. “After X-rays and an MRI, I was advised to perform exercises and have a steroid injection.”
Laura duly performed the exercises but felt that she was past just having an injection. She added: “I knew I needed a knee replacement. My quality of life was so limited. Just getting in and out of a chair was painful, and movement was restricted - being a nurse, there is quite a lot of walking involved, so it was very debilitating.
“I pushed and was referred to Mr Andrew Skyrme at The Horder Centre. My MRI showed I had bone-on-bone contact, but also a bad meniscal tear, so first, Mr Skyrme tried to ease some discomfort with a knee arthroscopy, which I had in January last year. I was made aware that ultimately a total knee replacement would be required.
“The arthroscopy unfortunately didn’t relieve my pain, so I had an ultrasound-guided steroid injection. This also didn’t provide much relief. At this point, I wanted to crack on with the knee replacement rather than spend the next 15 years in pain. I still must work, so it was essential for me to get it done.”
Laura’s procedure took place in January this year, and she had a spinal block and sedative; this enabled her, “with the excellent support of the nursing team,” to be up on her new knee within the same day. After two nights at The Horder Centre, she was assessed as safe to be discharged to continue her recovery at home.
She explained: “The patient booklet you receive is informative. At first, I couldn’t do all the exercises, so I phoned the physiotherapist several days after coming home and they advised me to go at my own pace and listen to my body. They were very reassuring.”
Laura was discharged with varying medication to ease any pain or discomfort; this could be added to by her own GP if required.
She said: “If you are not ofay with medication, when and what to take could be a lot to understand, which may be stressful for some people. Pain-wise I have been incredibly lucky. I stopped taking pain relief at three weeks, which is not for everybody, but I was aware of what my body was telling me and the level of pain that was tolerable for me. Ensuring I found a balance between exercise, rest, ice and elevation was key in my recovery.”
Clips were removed after two weeks, and Laura has had no concerns with the healing of her wound. At her physio review, three weeks into her recovery, attending a six week group class which would be led by a physiotherapist was recommended at Horder Healthcare Eastbourne to continue strengthening the muscles around the knee.
Laura added: “This has been invaluable as you are able to discuss concerns with a specialist and pass on hints and tips to your fellow post-op patients who are all at varying stages in their recovery.”
Having taken three months off work to factor in her recovery, Laura said: “My main objective is to return to work and be able to get round the shops again!
“I couldn’t fault my experience at The Horder Centre, from the first steps into reception to the time I was collected. I was treated with dignity and respect, listened to and heard, ensuring that my patient journey was seamless. Mr Skyrme was brilliant, very reassuring and straight to the point – which was to get me pain free and living life again – Thank you.”
“Laura, I am delighted you are happy and returning to your normal life. As surgeons, that is our aim, and it gives me huge pleasure to hear your success. It was a team effort, and behind me, there are 30 others who make this happen. I am a small part of the journey to where you are now.”
Mr Andrew Skyrme, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
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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