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Mr Hawar Akrawi 2023-07-03 Person 5 5 0

Mr Akrawi treated me for a right knee ACL reconstruction and damaged cartilage. From the beginning of the first consultation to leaving Raigmore Hospital I was treated with professionalism from all NHS staff members and Mr Akrawi. Having not found out the severity of my injury after months of rehab and seeing different physiotherapists, I was recommended to Mr Akrawi. Having had a private MRI prior to my first consultation I now knew the severity to my Injury. Regardless during the first consultation there was no messing and what seemed a simple technique applying downward pressure to my knee he could instantly confirm my ACL was torn. Minutes later I had signed for my surgery that was explained in a detailed but understanding way. I was also provided with names and studies to research to back the methods he was going to use. I found this a trusting and supportive way to give the patient insight and knowledge of the surgery that can only benefit both pre and post operation. Having had two friends from the same rugby club being operated on just months before me with similar injuries, both who had nothing but high praises for Mr Akrawi, I went into the operation with full trust and eagerness to start the process. Just minutes after I had my spinal injection in the anestetic room we even had time for a quick discussion about my trip to New Zealand and seeing Guns N Roses live. This shows the human side of taking away what might be a stressful and nervous time for individuals; both Mr Akrawi and his staff were excellent in chatting to me until I went under. Something I enjoyed and will take away as a nice memory, which I personally find a great way to keep the patient relaxed under the circumstances. Post op after everything going perfectly in 1hr and 30mins I was assured by Mr Akrawi that he was happy with the procedure. He then explained to me in detail the use of the new advanced technology he used in my knee, which gave me even more assurance about the success of the operation. What I liked about Mr Akrawi post op was his eagerness to not only get me moving, but completing exercises and assisted walking, with the goal to walk unassisted ASAP. He also urged the importance of an exercise bike simply days after the surgery to reduce the amount of muscle wastage, which in turn, has a negative knock on effect with the recovery process. Being an active person I was pleased to hear this as online videos I had watched prior showed patients staying in bed for weeks with hardly any movement and severe muscle degradation. I feel Mr Akrawi urging the importance of this shows his knowledge of the recovery process but also the trust in his work with my knee to allow such movements simply days after the surgery. When I saw Mr Akrawi 10 days post op I was still using both crutches and had not yet tried to walk unassisted. With professional authority he told me on the spot my knee was stronger than it was before and I'm able to walk small distances unassisted it's just a natural block in my mind. As soon as I arrived home I was already walking unassisted around the house for small distances. Mr Akrawi's professional but authoritative explanation of the importance of this to prevent muscle atrophy flipped a switch in my mind and allowed me to do this, however I also feel this was down to my full trust in his knowledge and confidence of his work on my knee. Although I hope to never meet Mr Akrawi again under the circumstances of having a severe injury requiring orthopaedic surgery, which with his fine work and urging of my important role in rehabilitation I'm sure I never will. I can only conclude Mr Akrawi was a fantastic surgeon from start to finish and I would recommend him to any other patient with similar requirements for surgery. Both me and two other individuals at the rugby club are sincerely grateful for the work he has done. I look forward to a challenging but exciting journey of recovery and have full belief I'll return stronger than ever with self-determination and will. But finally this is thanks to the work of Mr Akrawi. Forever grateful... Oliver Innes