Mr Robert Lee

Mr Robert Lee 2020-11-08 Person 5 5 0

I have suffered many years with back and leg pain, which has got worse over the years I got to a point where I could only walk for 10 minutes without sitting down due to pain and numbness in my legs which is what eventually bought me to see Mr Lee. My first meeting was in London for a consultation I found Mr Lee very friendly and he made me feel very relaxed He explained the surgery I needed very clearly and I felt under no pressure at all. I decided to go ahead with the surgery which I had at The royal Orthopaedic hospital in Stanmore. And I’m Pleased to say my operation went very well thanks to Mr Lee and his team I am now 6 weeks post op and although still early days I can now walk for an hour at a gentle pace without any of my original pain. I I am so grateful to Mr Lee for this I feel like I have been given my life back. I would highly recommend him to anyone considering spinal surgery.

Mr Robert Lee 2020-10-23 Person 5 5 0

Mr Lee was very clear when communicating with me, ensuring that decisions i made about my treatment were fully informed. The operation itself went smoothly and without complications which is testimony to his undoubted experience and skill. My only suggestion is that when attending follow up appointments it would be good to make it clear when I am not seeing Mr Lee as appointments carry his name but it is a registrar that I see. I fully appreciate Mr Lee can not do it all, its just a matter of knowing when I am seeing his support team and not him. I would like to take this opportunity to mention Clare Harman. She was very supportive when arranging appointments considering the distance I travelled. This made a big and positive difference to my experience.

Mr Robert Lee 2020-10-22 Person 5 5 0

The care and expertise given by Mr Lee and his team are first class. At the age of 55, after years of debilitating back pain caused by scoliosis, causing deterioration in both my physical and mental health, I realised that I required specialist help. I was referred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, but I first researched who was the leading specialist in spinal surgery. I first met Mr Lee and his specialist nurse, Clare Harman at the outpatients' clinic in Bolsover street. Following imaging, they took their time to explain the spinal surgery which Mr Lee recommended. At no time did I feel pressurised by time or anxious about the enormity of the surgery ahead. Indeed, Mr Lee recommended I return at a later date when I was totally sure that I wanted to proceed. Ms Harman was also extremely helpful in suggesting how my mobility would be following surgery, and also introduced me to an older post- op patient in the waiting room, whose encouragement and positive support for Mr Lee I appreciated. Six months later at the beginning of December, I underwent 2 phase surgery at the RNOH to fuse my spine from T10 down to the sacrum. It was brutal surgery, including an unscheduled surprise 3 day stay in ITU, followed by about 10 days recovery, but I survived! Every procedure was explained to me in non doctor speak, and never did I feel overwhelmed. I was advised to expect a year long recovery. I worked hard at my rehabilitation, both through physiotherapy and with the support of my family and friends. I had follow up consultations with Mr Lee at 3, 6, 9 months and then every year. The spinal team was also available by telephone for any worries. As a Mum with 5 kids (the youngest was 20)and as a journalist, I was used to an active and sporty lifestyle and never thought I would be able to return to the level of activity I was used to. It took a while, but with a lot of swimming and pilates I recovered my physical strength. These days, I live in Lyon France where I keep fit with low resistance aqua biking and plenty of walking. I still keep up with Mr Lee and his team and would not wish to stop follow up. Due to data protection, it is difficult to speak to other patients or anyone who has undergone similar surgery. There is plenty of advice on the internet, some of it unreal and frightening and I would advise against trawling the net. If you are seeing Mr Lee, take a friend or family member to your consultation, and go armed with questions. ( I never felt patronised by asking the most basic questions, as has happened in the past with other medical professionals!) Talking to another patient who has experienced similar surgery, is most helpful. Mr Lee and Ms Harman have approached me to offer support to others and I hope this has helped. At the hospital - best advice I was given was to buy an extra long mobile phone cable! I think Mr Lee is a total hero! I truly believe he saved my life. Thank you to Mr Lee, Ms Harman and the RNOH spinal surgery team.

Mr Robert Lee 2020-10-15 Person 5 5 0

I had a number of consultations with Mr Lee over a period of two years or so regarding my back pain. At every visit Mr Lee explained the problem and was at pains to show me the extent of the damage on the various scans I had undertaken. Eventually I agreed that an operation was the only option and I had fusion surgery on 14 March 2020 at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. The operation has been a great success due to the exceptional care I received from Mr Lee whilst in hospital and further consultations and scans since then. My quality of life has improved beyond all my expectations and I cannot thank Mr Lee enough for his great care and expertise in treating me.

Mr Robert Lee 2020-10-15 Person 5 5 0

I can’t recommend Mr Lee enough. He not only is an incredible surgeon, but also a very nice man who is understanding to all of his patients needs. I have undergone two major back operations under him and his team. I have gone from an 84 year old woman who was in severe pain, unable to walk to an 84 year old who has no pain and a new lease of life. Thank you