Mr Timothy Kane 2016-01-08 Person 5 5 0

Firstly apologies for my tardiness in writing this review which I promised to do 8 months ago. I have been a patient of Mr Kane on two occasions, firstly in November 2013 and secondly in February 2015. On both occasions my operation was for a total knee replacement, left knee first, and most recently my right knee. I probably should have had my first operation some years earlier as before it took place, every time I put my left knee on the ground I suffered extreme pain and a continual burning sensation. I was on the brink on one occasion but withdrew through lack of courage. I can only say that in hindsight I wish I had not withdrawn because as soon as I returned to the ward after the operation I found that the pain had disappeared, and it has remained pain free ever since. The brand of the left knee fitted was ‘Strycker’ and I have been very pleased with the success of the operation and my recovery. So much so that within 4 months I was able to resume golf. I was encouraged to have my right knee replaced through the success of the left knee. The right knee unit fitted was called Nugen, made by Zimmer. Again it was very beneficial and has allowed me to go up and down stairs using both legs in turn, something I had not been able to do for years. It also gave me a more natural gait and improved my posture. I was very careful to follow the exercise regime specified in the booklet provided by QA hospital. I started exercises immediately and every day increased the amount of repetitions. I recorded my progress and found that my recuperation from the second operation was 4 weeks ahead of the first and after 3 months this time I felt able to resume playing golf.. I am not sure why my recovery was faster, perhaps the unit fitted was better or perhaps I knew what to expect the second time and was prepared to trust and use the knee quicker. All I know is that I was able to go on a cruise 6 weeks after the operation and go on all the shore trips without problem. I also used the ships stairwells as part of my exercise regime rather than use the lifts. I remember fearing the operation itself when I discovered that, to improve recovery, I would not be having a general anesthetic. Its true that the noise of drill, saws or whatever else was going on was not the most pleasant thing to endure. However the patient sees nothing from behind a screen, and certainly feels nothing more than some vibration at times. Following the operation there was obvious discomfort, swelling and bruising which went on for weeks (far less severe the second time around). One of the more difficult things I found during my recovery was having injections in my tummy over a period of 4 weeks or so after discharge. I had to self-administer as my wife, understandably, could not bring herself to do it. This and the wearing of compression stockings for weeks afterwards to avoid DVT although necessary, became wearing. Finally a few words about my surgeon, Mr Kane. I do not think he will ever forget my first operation as it caused some significant problems to him. So much so that he called upon a colleague for help. Just as the colleague was drawing into the car park however, he was able to resolve the issue himself. Ever since he has referred to it as that b***** knee. I think that shows something about him, he has a good sense of humour, and remains caring and approachable whilst being very professional and highly capable. I could not have been in better hands and if ever another joint needed attention, Mr Kane would be the first person called upon.