Paul Silburn began to experience cartilage loss from the age of 16 and over the years had learned to live with the discomfort. But over time, the discomfort turned to pain that prevented him from doing the things he loved, particularly wakeboarding.
After developing a limp to overcompensate the pain, he decided it was time to take action.
Paul, 52, explains: “For the last eight years it was really bad, and the knee had become bone on bone. I felt like enough was enough so I went to the GP who referred me to The Horder Centre.”
He had a consultation with Andrew Skyrme, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who advised him he needed a total knee replacement.
Following advice from the physiotherapists, Paul worked on strengthening his leg at the gym in the lead-up to the operation and made sure he followed all the stretching exercises he was given.
Paul, a plumber from Seaford, said: “I arrived at The Horder Centre on a Friday and was back home on the Monday. From the very first moment they told me to stand up after the operation I was worried, but the pain had gone. Twelve days after the operation, I was walking without crutches.
“I cannot fault any of the process. I was expecting to be off work for three months to recover, but I was back within five weeks doing light duties. It took another three weeks to get back into full swing.”
After developing a limp to overcompensate the pain, he decided it was time to take action.
Paul, 52, explains: “For the last eight years it was really bad, and the knee had become bone on bone. I felt like enough was enough so I went to the GP who referred me to The Horder Centre.”
He had a consultation with Andrew Skyrme, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who advised him he needed a total knee replacement.
Following advice from the physiotherapists, Paul worked on strengthening his leg at the gym in the lead-up to the operation and made sure he followed all the stretching exercises he was given.
Paul, a plumber from Seaford, said: “I arrived at The Horder Centre on a Friday and was back home on the Monday. From the very first moment they told me to stand up after the operation I was worried, but the pain had gone. Twelve days after the operation, I was walking without crutches.
“I cannot fault any of the process. I was expecting to be off work for three months to recover, but I was back within five weeks doing light duties. It took another three weeks to get back into full swing.”
Following the procedure, Paul attended three physiotherapy sessions at The Horder Centre’s outreach centre in Seaford to aid his recovery. He is now regularly attending the gym, going on family dog walks and has returned to his passion of wakeboarding.
He added: “The physiotherapists were fantastic. Things like being told to stand on one leg in the gym sounds really stupid but all the exercises really help.
“Before my total knee replacement, everything I did I was in pain, even just getting up or walking. There is no point living in pain, so I really would advise people to get seen to as soon as they can.
“Mr Skyrme has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I’m now living without constant pain and I’m doing more now than I was ten years ago.”
Following the procedure, Paul attended three physiotherapy sessions at The Horder Centre’s outreach centre in Seaford to aid his recovery. He is now regularly attending the gym, going on family dog walks and has returned to his passion of wakeboarding.
He added: “The physiotherapists were fantastic. Things like being told to stand on one leg in the gym sounds really stupid but all the exercises really help.
“Before my total knee replacement, everything I did I was in pain, even just getting up or walking. There is no point living in pain, so I really would advise people to get seen to as soon as they can.
“Mr Skyrme has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I’m now living without constant pain and I’m doing more now than I was ten years ago.”
“I am delighted that Mr Silburn has returned to full activities including wakeboarding.”
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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