Share review of Mr Rafid Al-Mahfoudh

Mr Rafid Al-Mahfoudh 2023-02-07 Person 5 5 0

What can I say, this wonderful young man changed my 88 year old Mum's life! After several months of pain radiating down her left leg and into her foot, my mum became 'an old girl'. Mentally and physically the deterioration in her was immense despite twice weekly physio appointments, acupuncture and prescription pain killers; all of which made no difference! By early August, life was getting very tough for her. A trip to London for an MRI scan, resulted in a very difficult train journey home requiring guards to call ahead to each station to help her off the train. That was a real low point followed by a few days away in September which were just impossible for her. She changed physio's and it was clear on her first session there, that there was nothing they could do to help, BUT, he referred her for another MRI scan for her pelvis and lumber this time, (the other was unrelated) and that was when there was a glimmer of hope. The scan showed a severe L4/5 stenosis and a large facet joint cyst. Mum's initial consultation with Mr Al-Mahfoudh was on 28 September 2022 at the Nuffield, where he studied the results of the MRI and explained the options. Following an x-ray, also held at the Nuffield the following week, surgery to decompress the stenosis and removal of the facet joint cyst was carried out on 7 October, just 9 days later! Surgery for mum was a big deal at her age and the anaesthetic was more challenging on her recovery. However with support from the wonderful staff at the Nuffield, Justina who was always on hand for support and Rochelle too, the effects of the anaesthetic only lasted a few days. Remember she was 88 years old! Surgery wise, the effects were instant!!! Absolutely amazing, literally a miracle had occurred! The anaesthetic on the day of the surgery had detracted from this miracle but the following day, it was very evident that she was walking normally, stood upright and with practically no pain! In fact very little pain throughout her recovery (she was wearing a Butec 10 patch), although prior to the operation it did not have any impact! A detailed account from Brian at the Nuffield on discharge of all medication to be taken, including daily injections for 7 days was given and supplied and mum was discharged on 9 October, 2 days after her surgery. She continued to wear the brace for 2 months as advised but the recovery from the surgery was minimal. The whole process has been life changing for her and at 88 years old, every day counts! Thank you to everyone involved in restoring her life!