"They all took such wonderful care of me"

It was a left hip replacement. My right hip was replaced four years ago. Due to the fact that my left hip had deteriorated so much since then, I agreed to have it replaced. My first appointment was in March at the National Treatment Centre Fife Orthopaedics in Kirkcaldy. Dr Akhtar explained to me in a very thorough, professional and easy to understand way what the hip replacement surgery would involve and answered all my questions. He said that I had just been put on the waiting list and would have to wait for the operation for about a year.

Of course I knew that there was a long wait for the operation now, so I was not surprised. In the middle of November I received a call from the NTC Fife Orthopaedics  in Kirkcaldy. A very nice lady informed me that if I wanted to have the operation before Christmas, it was possible, as there was a free slot at that time. I was very happy because the pain in my left hip was getting worse and was making my daily life more and more difficult. Of course I agreed immediately.

Soon I was scheduled to meet the doctor who would later perform my surgery - Dr. Howard. Dr. Howard explained to me in a very professional, specific and detailed manner what my surgery would involve, honestly and truthfully informed me about the side effects, and answered my questions. He immediately gained my complete trust. I was glad that such a professional and knowledgeable person would perform my surgery.

I had a meeting at the Pre Assessment Suite Anaesthetics Clinic at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. I met a really wonderful person - Nikki. Nikki interviewed me. She was very nice, smiling and above all helpful and patient with me the whole time. I am Polish and although I have lived in Scotland for 18 years, I sometimes have problems with English (especially when it comes to medical terms). Nikki patiently and thoroughly explained things that I did not understand. As a result, I understood everything. I am very grateful to her for that.

On the same day I underwent the tests necessary for the operation. The people who performed them (I am very sorry, I do not remember their names) were also very nice to me, and the tests were performed very professionally and efficiently, so that it was over in a short time. I remember feeling very good there and I thought that the atmosphere was so homely.

In December, my friends took me to the hospital at 7.00am for surgery. And I have to admit, I was not disappointed. I was immediately taken care of by wonderful people. First, a very nice nurse named Daniella (or Danielle, I don't remember exactly, sorry), then the anaesthesiologist (unfortunately, I don't remember the name of this lady), then I had a short conversation with Dr. Howard. I was not afraid of the surgery. I knew I was in the hands of professionals.

I barely remember the actual operation, although I had spinal anesthesia, which was performed perfectly by the anaesthesiologist. During the preparations for the operation, I chatted pleasantly with the staff around me. I don't even know when it turned out that I was prepared. During the operation, I was given headphones with Scottish music, which put me in a great mood. I felt completely relaxed.

After the operation I felt very well. I was looked after all the time by a young nurse - Kelly (fortunately I have the name and surname of this lovely person on my discharge papers). She really was a very hard-working, committed, helpful and professional nurse. And besides, she was always smiling. She was also with me the next day, when I was leaving for home. I must mention here that she gave me very good advice regarding a certain medicine. I take a medication every day to protect my stomach (when using painkillers this is - as we know - very important). Until the operation I took this medicine half an hour before dinner. Kelly told me that it is much better to take it in the morning, before breakfast, because then I provide protection to my stomach throughout the day, and not only in the afternoon. Today I know that Kelly was absolutely right. I would like to thank her very much for that.

I would also like to thank everyone who took care of me: the physiotherapists who taught me to walk after the surgery (along with Kelly), the nurse who looked after me at night (I think her name was Irene, but I'm not sure), nurse Natalie, the lady from Occupational Therapy, and everyone else who was there for me. And most of all, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Howard. He did a wonderful job. My surgery went smoothly, none of the side effects that the doctor warned me about showed up. I recovered very quickly after the surgery. Today I feel great. I don't feel any pain in my hip anymore. And although I have pain in my lumbar spine and knees (I also have osteoarthritis there), the relief is enormous.

Thank you again for this surgery. Thank you to all the people involved who took such wonderful care of me. I wish you all great success in your professional and personal life. And since today is only January 9th, I wish you all a Happy New Year.