Doug, 62, Managing Director of an
engineering company in Coventry, recently climbed Mount
Kilimanjaro after having his hip resurfaced three years ago.
I had always been active and enjoyed
mountain biking, trekking, private flying, motor cycling and
classic cars. These activities were slowly getting more
difficult due to lack of movement and pain, so much so that
I seriously considered giving the more energetic ones up.
In September 2004, I finally gave in and visited a sports
therapist who quickly diagnosed, to my surprise, that I had
an arthritic hip.
This led to confirmation by X-rays and
my consultant, Mr Prakash arranged for the resurfacing
operation to be carried out in February
2005 at the
Warwickshire Nuffield Hospital, Leamington Spa.
Discomfort prior to the operation was
particularly noticeable when walking, bending down to, for
instance, to put on a sock and even simply getting into bed.
I was rarely without discomfort and welcomed the 16th
February when hopefully, everything would be put right.
Recovery and return to an active life was quick, being able
to cycle again after three months with no after effects.
Whilst my post operative recovery was good, I would have
benefited more so, had I done more of the prescribed
exercises! I was walking unaided within three weeks. Four
weeks to climb stairs unaided and driving an automatic
within two weeks.
My return to active life has exceeded all expectations.
2005 saw me skydiving from 12,000 ft in New Zealand.
In September 2005 saw me cycled 800 km in
the mountains of North Vietnam, climbing cumulatively around
some 36,000 ft over the eight day ride. This venture raised
£7,000 for the Coventry and Warwickshire Breast Screening
Unit.
This would not have been possible without my resurfaced hip
- before the operation, I had great difficulty even mounting
a bicycle!
2006 was a busy year climbing Mount Snowdon, Ben Nevis and
Mount Kilimanjaro (19,500 ft).
Having had my hip resurfaced has meant that
I can now look forward to an active and fulfilling
retirement over the next few years; a retirement that
otherwise would have meant putting on weight and a gradual
decline both physically and mentally with inactivity, pain
and frustration. This operation comes highly recommended for
an active and fulfilling life for sufferers of arthritic
hips.
I would like to convey my thanks to the staff and
technicians at Corin, for a first class product – thank you.
