Mr Rahul Kotwal 2019-07-18 Person 5 5 0

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.