After years of knee pain, Tony Hadwick had gradually developed a limp, but it wasn’t until his retirement that the pain escalated and he ended up using a stick to aid his walking.
Tony, 81 from Peacehaven, said: “I had a 24-year career in the army, which involved lots of sports. Over the years, my right knee started to wear out and I later developed osteoarthritis.
“By the time I retired from being a driver nine years ago, I was struggling to walk a distance and could only take my dog out for short distances.”
After a visit to his GP, Tony was referred to a physiotherapist and saw a First Contact Practitioner at The Horder Centre’s clinic in Eastbourne. He received a steroid injection for pain relief, which lasted about a fortnight until the pain returned.
Tony was referred to Mr Per Anderberg, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Horder Centre who specialises in the knee and shoulder.
After scans and a consultation at The Horder Centre’s Seaford clinic, Mr Anderberg explained Tony’s osteoarthritis had reached a point where a total knee replacement was needed.
“I was so pleased I was going to get it done,” said Tony. “I was picked up by the transport team at 6am, went to the hospital and the next thing I knew, I was waking up to the nurse asking if there was anything I needed.
“The whole thing was brilliant. Everyone from Mr Anderberg and the First Contact Practitioner, to all the nurses and staff at The Horder Centre.
“I was in pain one night and rang the bell for pain relief. I was asked if I needed anything else but I thought they’d be too busy to make a cup of tea at that time. Within minutes, a cup of tea arrived. The television worked, the telephone worked, and I had no problems whatsoever.
“The physiotherapist came in a few times, I went to the inpatient gym and also practised using the stairs.
“I was dropped off back home, and one of the transport guys offered to help me, but I wanted to try and do it myself. I climbed the stairs immediately, which I was surprised about. I took one step at a time for the first few days. Coming down the stairs was more difficult.
“I will say, you must do the exercises you are given. Some were hard, some were easy, but I did them – helped with some persuasion from my wife!
“The stitches came out with no problem, the wound healed really well, and I had a great check up with Mr Anderberg three months later.
“There is still a bit of pain when I force my knee back too far, but nothing close to what it was. The knee is slightly swollen several months later but nothing extraordinary.
“I feel like I have had a quick recovery and I can’t recommend The Horder Centre enough.”
Mr Per Anderberg said: “A total knee replacement is an excellent and often life-changing operation and I am happy that Mr Hadwick has recovered well and is enjoying the benefits of it.
“Keep the mobility and thigh strength going and the new joint can serve you for many years to come."
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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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