After a long career as a local government officer at Bradford Education Department, I retired and looked forward to spending quality time with my family. As a proud mother and grandmother, I wanted to enjoy every moment with my daughter and granddaughter. I enjoy walking my dog, reading, swimming, pottering in the garden and watching crime fiction on TV.
However, severe osteoarthritis made even the simplest tasks unbearable. I had crippling pain in both knees and lower back, every step I took was agony. I couldn't get in and out of the bath or cars, or up and especially down stairs, without assistance. I needed a stick to walk the small distances I could walk, I couldn't stand or sit for any length of time and lying in bed was extremely painful.
Several X-rays later, I was referred to the Yorkshire Clinic in Bingley, West Yorkshire, where I met Mr. Leggeter, my consultant. He quickly diagnosed me with severe osteoarthritis in both knees. The only way forward, he explained, was knee replacement surgery.
From my first consultation to being discharged, the whole experience was excellent. The clerical staff and receptionists ensured that I was kept up to date with all my appointments, and Mr. Leggeter was wonderful. He explained the surgery in detail, what to expect during recovery and completely put me at ease with his friendly and professional manner. The nursing staff were amazing, nothing was too much trouble for them. Plus the food was hotel standard, definitely not run of the mill hospital food.
The knee replacement has given me my life back. I no longer feel old and decrepit and can now look forward to going out and spending time with family and friends.
For anyone considering knee replacement surgery or similar procedures, my advice is simple: Go for it! The temporary few weeks pain of recovery is worth a lifetime's gain.
I feel incredibly lucky that I was admitted to the Yorkshire Clinic, and especially to have Mr. Leggeter as my consultant. I am so thankful.
