Go to France for the anterior approach

Hi All,

I had the anterior approach left hip replacement surgery on 14th Feb 2014 in France. I am 52 mother of 3, youngest 7. I lived in pain for three years and was told by Kings they would review for the op in two years sentencing me to two more years of pain. I even left my job as a social worker (of twenty three years with a London LA) I couldn't sit for prolonged periods without extreme pain, couldn't walk at all some days.

I took matters into my own hands and researched and found a company that offered private surgery in France at a nominal fee as the hospital claims back the rest on the EHIC. I took the plunge and went in trepidation, well what a surprise. A magician for a surgeon or what! I had the anterior approach I had the ceramic, titanium hybrid plastic (not the Johnson Johnson one!) as advised I could do impact sports eventually as the plastic cushions the hip joint. I was put in a hotel (all transfers etc) had all my tests completed in one day, urine, blood, x-rays the lot and met the consultant who took me through the details of the op. The next day I was in having the op biff, baff, bosh!

Well, well, well! Contrary to all my fears I was up the day after surgery, able to walk without a stick in 3 days; no lie! I even went to the shops sneakily to stock up on fruit and nuts as was constipated after the surgery. I was visited daily by the consultant and the guy from the company who brought me chocolate, water etc, the nurses were an absolute delight. I only stayed six nights although seven nights was the package, but wanted to see the kids and felt well enough too.

I, of course take a stick out as a support just now, but no limp etc, but happily use nothing at home. Stopped taking pain killers after 5 days, did take a pain killer last night, as had been on my feet for four hours. No problem bending either with the anterior approach, as very little risk of dislocation. Putting on my left sock or tight a bit of a nuisance getting on, so not quite able to do gymnastics yet!

If anyone out there is living in pain and has a diagnosis and needs the op but the NHS is reluctant and uses excuses like you are too young etc, my advice is get ahead and do it make sure it is the anterior approach though.

If you want to contact me and I will give you the low down exactly about my French experience. To say it was a breeze is a bit cheeky but I had a great experience and could not recommend highly enough.

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