Mr Rahul Kotwal

Written by a patient at Neath Port Talbot Hospital

I've been under Mr Dr Kotwol for about two years now. Starting with melisicus repairs and cardlige removed plus a knee osteotomy. Unfortunately at the age of 48 my knee was not holding up deteriorating badly ,which then I had a full left knee replacement. Dr Kotwol supported me through it all and could see I was frustrated as my life was on hold. Now I'm 9 weeks post op LTKR and my knee is getting stronger by the day ,I have no regrets best operation I've had . My bend is at 107 now and straight ,I walked 2 miles today doing steps aswell . I work had in the gym on my rehab as Dr kotwol was worried my quads where weak ,so I've worked hard on them . Even down to the physio team in Port Talbot have been great, I was in the gym 2 weeks post op and the after care has been outstanding. Now waiting for my referral for NHS excerise scheme another 16 weeks of rehab. I seen Dr kotwol two weeks ago ,and haven't got to see him now for a year which is great news (think he's glad to see the back of me ☺️) Just want to say thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to get my life back as I'm so active. And the operation went so well I was out the same day,which felt great . With excellent support by phone calls from surgeon and physios checking I was ok . Thanks again Donna Brady happy patient

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Written by a patient at Princess of Wales Hospital

I have elhers danlos syndrome which causes frequent dislocations of many joints, the most frequent being my left knee which could dislocate up to several times a week. This had an adverse affect on my life - even turning over in bed or simply walking could cause my knee to dislocate. I saw Mr Kotwel, explained my condition and its problems and he listened and had a solution! I see too many doctors with my condition yet I don't always feel listened to or feel confident with their understanding of my needs. Mr Kotrel was different. He asked lots of questions, asked what I wanted from the operation and then explained what surgery he felt I would benefit from. He was very honest about the expected recovery period and explained the surgeries long term benefits to me. He was thorough and more importantly he didn't baffle me with medical terminology! I went away, did what everyone does and googled what ever I could find out about this surgery and Mr Kotwel and made the decision to go ahead with the surgery of several new ligaments; my bone cut, knee re-positioned correctly and screws inserted. My first date for surgery was cancelled due to an issue with my blood results, Mr Kotrel went above and beyond to ensure I had the further tests I needed promptly; chased up the results himself and my surgery was performed two weeks later in the Bridgend Clinic within the Princess of Wales hospital Bridgend. My care here was amazing. The staff are compassionate and always on hand (even though they are clearly understaffed), nothing was to much trouble for them. I am now 3 months post surgery and I can walk - albeit slowly - but I am finally pain free and I can already see a huge improvement in my day to day mobility. I am 100% confident that I have a stable knee cap that will not dislocate again! All my life I have seen dozens of consultants relating to my EDS but I can truthfully say Mr Kotrel has been the only one to do what he's promised to do. He give me a stable knee cap and no recurring dislocations. I feel that I now have my life back and I am determined to life my life to the full. Who knows I may even do sky dive ! Mr Kotrel, THANKYOU!! You are a very talented, brilliant surgeon who deserves a medal in recognition of your skills.

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Written by a patient at Princess of Wales Hospital

Mr. Kotwal explained all details of the planned operation to my wife and I. Took time to explain in Language that we could understand.He listened to all concerns. Saw my husband early prior to the operation, visited post operation and everyday that I was an in patient.Explained the smallest detail to us. Would totally recommend this Doctor. Gave us confidence to go ahead with the procedure.

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Written by a patient at Princess of Wales Hospital

When I first met Mr Kotwal he asked me if he was to do a knee replacement what did I want from it. My answer was I would like to Walk,cycle,ski,gardening, in short I’d like my life back again. His answer was most people just want to be out of pain. I said yes I want that as well. I had to wait nine months for the operation as I also had to have an eye operation too, but in that nine months I did as much leg exercises as I could, which was not easy, very painfull sometimes . Mr. Kotwal did a half knee replacement for me. After the operation I very steadily started back on the exercise again very slowly building it up every day. Two months after the operation I’m walking up to four miles then twelve miles, Cycling up to fourteen miles, Nine months after I’m back to skiing, very steady but back. At 73 I think I’m doing well and very pleased with the outcome. If I want to be picky the only thing that wastes time is when you book in could the staff check if you need an X-Ray and if so send them to X-Ray then which in my opinion could save time. So a BIG THANK YOU TO MR KOTWAL and all his Team, I have my life back again. Thomas David Jones.

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