Mr Ashwin Unnithan 2018-02-09 Person 5 5 0

My operation was done on the 21st December 2017. I first met Mr Unnithan on the day of my surgery, as the surgeon who was due to do my Total Knee Replacement retired. Mr Unnithan put me totally at ease and explained what was going to happen, I had a spinal Anaesthetic which I was really worried about, but the anaesthetist totally put me at ease, and I admit I did not realise he had down the injection. The operation itself lasted about 2 hours and then I was transferred to the Recovery Ward, I was already awake by this time and once I was checked was taken back to the Ward where I was allowed to have a drink at long last. My operated Knee was put on calf pumps which helps the circulation, these are quite noisy and strange feeling and kept on for quite some time even during the night, plus you have to wear support stockings, these are the most uncomfartable things I have ever worn and they have to be kept on for 6 weeks day and night. (please wash them often). Mr Unnithan came to see me and informed me how the operation went and how pleased he was with the outcome as he had got my knee straight, and he encouraged me to do the physio and this helps to get the knee moving. The following day I had an x-ray done on my knee to make sure everything was ok, they also get you out of bed for a bit of Physio and to help you walk with crutches, they will explain what they are doing and this will help you to get back moving more quickly and to be discharged, on the following day I had to walk up a flight of stairs with my crutches to ensure that I was steady with them and I was allowed to go home that afternoon (23rd December). They will give you all the information you need for going home and medication to cover you for a few days. You also need to following the exercises that are in the booklet you get before the operation, it is important to do these before and after the operation as it helps your recovery. You will also get an appointment with the Physio department, they monitor how well you are doing and suggest other exercises to do, it is important to do these even if you think it hurts, it does hurt at times but I must admit I am now 7 weeks down the line, no longer on crutches, can walk up and down stairs and have driven my manual car and basically beginning to feel better each day. I have now been signed off by Mr Unnithan who was very pleased with my progress as I went walking into his office with no limp and no crutches, so the hard work has paid off. I still have a couple of Physio sessions to attend, but they are worth it. I like to thank Mr Unnithan and his staff, and the Staff at Ashford for all the care, attention and help they have given me to get me back on my feet with no pain. Stay positive, it is diffcult at times, but I am so pleased with the result.