Corin Group PLC


IRENE SWADLING

Irene, 71 had a Unglide unicompartmental knee replacement in November 2002 and enjoys gardening, walking, piano playing, painting and singing (classical choral and early church music). My recovery from the operation was very rapid. I think the experience I gained after two back operations was a great help to get me on the road to a full recovery I left hospital earlier than expected and managed stairs on return home. I did not find the need for crutches and found myself walking without a stick to the bathroom almost as soon as I was home. I do not drive often as I tend to get cramp in my right leg since my second back operation but I can do so if required. I was back to singing in concerts shortly after the operation.

I returned to normal church attendance and some gardening activities very quickly, even kneeling to take communion at church six weeks after the operation. I have been able to do practically everything that I did before the operation but I do have to be careful how I use the knee when weeding or climbing stiles. I have since taken three long, mountain walking holidays. The last was in the Dolomites in September 2005. I can kneel through an entire church service. Sometimes the knee burns badly after a heavy day but I put a cold compress on it when resting and that does the trick. I always put my feet up rather than sit when resting. Since my operation I have been receiving regular acupuncture treatment, more to help my general wellbeing rather than the knee in particular. The operation has enabled me to continue for a few more years doing the things I love most and I can’t thank you enough.