With a 28-year career as a firefighter, Phil had always led an active life. Outside of his career Phil was passionate about playing Rugby, Football, Basketball and Golf. Like many who have a hands-on career and keen on sport, Phil experienced wear and tear in both his knees from arthritis. He had several Arthroscopy operations on each knee to help and ultimately needed a Total Knee Replacement to help him get back on the golf course.
Phil came to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) for both his knee replacements in 2007, but over time the joints were wearing out. Joint replacements typically last 15-20 years. Phil chose to have his revision surgery again at ROH.
“Having been to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital to have the first two replacements, I wouldn’t go anywhere else in the world to get the revision done. From the reception staff right the way through to the people who sent me home and the physiotherapists, I just thought it was world class. I felt relaxed. I felt that everybody cared about me. There was always someone on standby to talk to me.”
You can ease recovery from surgery by taking care to prepare ahead of time, strengthening your muscles and making sure your general health and wellbeing is good as can be. Phil shared with us how he prepared for his surgery:
“I tried to build up the quads as much as I could. Because I was in pain I did a lot of cycling and really focused on strengthening exercises, really just trying to get the muscles built up as much as I could for the recovery. Prior to discharge, I was invited to a physiotherapist group, which I thought was brilliant. I met people from all the other wards, we did a lot of exercises, had a laugh and a joke.”
“I think I was in a good position for the recovery, having recovered from two previous replacements 15 years ago, realising that you have to put in the work. I did my exercises that I was given by the physiotherapist, and every time I did them I iced the knee down, which certainly took a lot of the pain and aggravation away. Within five weeks I was dancing and singing as an Ugly Sister in a Golf Club production of the pantomime Cinderella, walking the dog, not a bother.”
When asked why he chose to have a knee replacement, Phil explained “because it’s changed my life. I’m still like a young man. I’m a 24 year old 67 year old. I feel there’s nothing I can’t do – I walk straight, I can go to the gym… If I hadn’t had the surgeries I don’t think I’d be anywhere near the person I am now.”
Photo caption: Phil with his consultant Mr Yuvraj Agrawal
