Mr James Hutchinson 2019-09-28 Person 5 5 0

I had a hip replacement some 9 years ago. Before that I was hobbling around, unable to walk any great distance and had difficulty in climbing stairs because of Arthritis. Unfortunately I could not have the operation on the day scheduled because I had contracted a stomach virus and the risk of infection was too great. However I was very pleased to find out that I have been scheduled in for a Saturday shortly afterwards because Mr Hutchinson was clearing the outstanding patients. I was in and out within 4 days, and within 3 weeks I was walking with just a stick, and after two months I was walking faster than my wife - even uphill. The great joy has been that I have been pain, pill and problem free - even immediately after the operation. This has been a true life changing operation. I now have a wrist monitor and aim to walk 12,500 steps a day - thats about 5 miles. Three years ago we had the holiday of a life time trecking in the Sri Lankan highlands, last year we walked on pilgrimage from Glasgow to the Isle of Withorn with full backpacks and in November we will be walking in the Atlas Mountains. None of which would have been possible without the operation. I have been monitored annually by Mr Hutchinson and the team at Royal Derby, and been assured on every visit that if I experience a problem or have a concern then an appointment can be made for a consultation. So far this has not been necessary. On my latest consultation, 9 years after the operation, the X-rays from then and now were compared and I could not tell the difference between the two x rays, it was as if the operation had taken place yesterday. For myself, I often forget that I have had the operation and that I have a replacement hip and that must be a good measure of the effectiveness and the success of the operation. I would recommend anyone who is considering a replacement to go for it as soon as possible and walk away (literally) from the pain and the difficulties that arthritis of the hip brings.