Mr Tony Kochhar 2018-04-20 Person 5 5 0

I had a long-standing issue with my shoulder which was previously treated by another consultant. I went to see Professor Kochhar following a recommendation from a concerned friend and I'm glad I did. At my first appointment he asked me the full history of my complaint and what treatment I'd previously received. He asked if I would mind sharing my previous letters and notes and as I didn't have everything his secretary obtained these from my previous consultant. I'd previously had an operation on my shoulder so was a bit nervous and sceptical. He reviewed the letters and at my next appointment, after my MRI, went through the letters and also my MRI with me. It looked like I had a long-standing rotator cuff tear which had fully retracted. By the sounds of it it had been there a long time even though my previous surgeon had apparently "repaired" it. I was a bit shocked. Professor Kochhar has been transparent with everything he's doing and has been happy to talk through things with me at every appointment (I've even emailed his office a few times after my appointments when things weren't clear to me and they have always responded promptly). I have had another operation but this time I know it's worked as I am on my way to a full recovery. I thought I would never be able to play tennis again but it looks like I might have another go this summer. There are lot of surgeons out there who want you to take their word for it - my advice would be to ask lots of questions and to make sure you are happy with any treatment you are having (why you're having it and what it can achieve). I got lots of information from Professor Kochhar's office (I even spoke with an anaesthetist weeks before my operation because I asked to). I wish I had done all this the first time around with my other surgeon.