Mr Ashwin Unnithan

Written by a patient at Ashford Hospital

Referred by my GP as I had arthritic hip which was 'stuck' and severely limited movement - giving me a quite severe stoop and very awkward gait, and painful back if I tried to straighten. Saw Mr Unnithan on the day of my operation and went home 48 hrs later. The care I received during that time was excellent and I thank the staff in Dickens Ward. I saw Mr Unnithan exactly 6 weeks later and was discharged - walking upright, unaided and without pain. My thanks to Mr Unnithan for vastly improving my quality of life.

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Written by a patient at The Runnymede Hospital - part of Circle Health Group

Fell off my motorbike and broke my collarbone. Mr Unnithan was the Consultant at Ashford walk-in centre where I was taken. He spotted on my X-ray that the clavicle wasn’t just a simple fracture but that a piece had also separated at the back, so in order for a full recovery to be achieved, with a full range of motion, surgery would most likely be needed. Mr Unnithan spent time explaining the pro’s and cons of surgery and gave me time to come to my own decision over a couple of days. I elected for the surgery and was very glad I did. The difference post-op was night and day! Immediately felt more comfortable with much less pain. Throughout the process I always felt very confident that I was in extremely good hands. Mr Unnithan happily answered questions, no matter how stupid, both pre- and post-op and clearly had my well-being at heart. I would thoroughly recommend him to everyone.

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Written by a patient at Ashford Hospital

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.

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Written by a patient at Circle Reading - part of Circle Health Group

I am a 39 year old very active PE teacher and I developed pain and swelling in my left knee. There was no identifiable moment when this happened, probably just wear and tear and overuse. I thought I would wait a couple of weeks and see if got better and carried on at work which was a mistake and it got worse. I was referred to Mr Unitthan at the circle hospital in Reading and he identified immediately that I had a meniscus tear and needed an arthroscopy. I had an MRI scan which confirmed that I had a medical meniscus tear. I also had the same operation about 16 years ago which was a cricket bowing injury. The operation was a success but there was a huge amount of swelling which could not be explained. Tests were done for osteo arthritis which turned out negative thankfully. The rehab was slower than I expected and I had a few challenges on the way with striking the balance between rehab, physio and work which took time. This was also hampered by having tight hamstrings and IT band as well as weak hamstrings. I also had a flicking sensation of a tendon over my lateral epichondial which was frustrating again probably linked to flexibility. I tried foam rolling and massage which helped. My knee still aches from time to time and my gym program is focussed around closed chain leg strengthening exercises and cycling on the Watt Bike to measure the power of both legs. However, mechanically I am fine and much more comfortable now almost back to full fitness 6 months down the line. The care I received both initially and post op was excellent and quick which was amazing for the NHS. Many thanks Ash! Ben.

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Written by a patient at Ashford Hospital

In August 2017 I had a pain in my shin/knee area which was thought to be caused by a hip problem. Consequently my hip was x-rayed which indicated that I needed to have a hip replacement; this was subsequently confirmed by the Consultant who offered to do the operation but he was not available until November if I was prepared to wait that long which I was. However, 2 days before the operation date I was told he was off work with a bad back but Mr Unnithan was available instead. By now the pain was sufficiently bad I had to use a walking stick so I agreed to him replacing the original surgeon. Mr Unnithan examined me whilst I was being prepared for the operation. We had a lively discussion and decided to proceed on a logical route to determine if I really needed a hip replacement. He advised that I should have an injection in my hip since the x-ray was not conclusive. I could understand his logic and agreed to follow his recommendation. As a result I entered the hospital at 07.30 using a walking stick and walked out at 15.00 without the need for the stick. The pain in my shin area was diminished but not cured so Mr Unnithan decided on a knee injection which has helped. He also arranged for a MRI scan which shows I have a bruise on my spine which is diagnosed as “moderate Stenosis” and is the cause of the pain. This may be reduced by the use of physiotherapy. Thus Mr Unnithan’s logical approach and diagnosis of my symptoms has meant I have, for now, avoided an unnecessary hip operation for which I am very grateful.

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