“Everybody at The Horder Centre was incredibly supportive, kind and patient”
A diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis came as a surprise for 46-year-old Zoe Goodman, who had suffered from back pain for a number of years. But for someone who had never been to hospital before, the prospect of a hip replacement was a daunting process.
Zoe explained: “I had pain in my back on and off for a few years. Some days, it would be fine; other days, it would really hurt. The GP had tried a number of different things; HRT, an osteopath, a chiropractor. Everyone thought it was back related, but no one was too sure what was going on.”
After trying various methods, Zoe wasn’t getting anywhere until the GP suggested an x-ray at her local NHS hospital to check her hips. The scans identified Zoe had osteoarthritis in both hips and she was advised to see a consultant.
Zoe had a consultation as an NHS patient with Mr Tofunmi Oni, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, after several of her colleagues recommended The Horder Centre through their own successful joint replacements at the hospital.
Another x-ray was carried out and Mr Oni explained she had severe arthritis in both hips. He advised pain relief injections into both hips, which were administered several weeks apart, before considering a hip replacement.
Zoe said: “It worked for my left hip, giving me good pain relief, but it didn’t work at all for my right hip. The pain got worse. I had severe pain in my groin, back and knee to the point where walking was becoming quite tricky. After several months, I decided enough was enough and I had to get a hip replacement done.
“I was absolutely terrified to have the procedure and even considered cancelling the operation. I’d never had surgery or been admitted to hospital, and I’m terrified of needles, so Mr Oni had his work cut out for him.
“I spoke to his secretary two days before and said I didn’t think I could do it. She said she will try and get Mr Oni to call me, and he did. He understood how worried I was, and completely reassured me. He was amazing, so patient and approachable.
“On the day, everything was very efficient. I had to have a spinal block and sedative, so I was aware of where I was, but I was so relieved and pleased when it was done.
“I got up that same day and walked round with the frame down the corridor and practised the stairs, although I had to wait a while because my blood pressure would drop every time I got up. The next morning, I was able to get myself dressed and go to the bathroom with my frame. Then before I knew it, I was going home with my medication and physio notes.
“Within two weeks I was able to use two crutches to walk and pick my daughter up from school. I really stuck to the exercises; you get stronger so much quicker. I’m not very good at not doing anything, so my aim was to get back up and running as quickly as possible.”
Zoe had a successful follow-up appointment and she has since got another referral from her GP to get her left hip replaced with Mr Oni at The Horder Centre.
“Everybody at The Horder Centre was incredibly supportive, kind and patient,” Zoe added. “The level of care was amazing and there is nothing I can fault. If I have to have it done again, which is likely for my left hip, then I 100% will. For something I was absolutely terrified of doing, it was as good as it possibly could have been.”
“I'm thrilled with Zoe's exceptional progress after her hip replacement. It's truly rewarding to help restore a dynamic young individual to a much higher level of activity and quality of life.”
Tofunmi Oni, 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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