Share review of Professor Damian Griffin OBE TD VR BM BCh MA MPhil FRCS(Tr&Orth)

Professor Damian Griffin OBE TD VR BM BCh MA MPhil FRCS(Tr&Orth) 2023-03-27 Person 5 5 0

I am a 63 year old very active lady. My sports include cable wakeboarding, indoor climbing, wing foiling and road cycling. Last summer I noticed an increasing amount of pain in my left hip. My physiotherapist, Luke Anthony, at GoPerform ( A training and sports rehabilitation centre in Reading, Berkshire)) gave me a number of exercises to try and alleviate the hip, but the pain became more acute. Luke recommended and referred me to Professor Griffin for further investigation. The initial consultation with Professor Griffin was exceptionally thorough and Professor Griffin spent a great deal of time making sure that he understood the problem that I had and how this was affecting my sports. Following x-rays a diagnosis of osteoarthritis was made and Professor Griffin recommended a total hip replacement. We decided that this was the best option as I wanted to return to all my sports. We also decided that the surgery would take place in early 2023 as I had a couple of holidays planned! In the intervening period it also gave the opportunity to undertake as much "pre -hab" as possible to retain strength and mobility in the hip. The surgery itself went extremely well. Professor Griffin and the anaesthetist explained exactly what to expect and there was 100% pain control. A few hours after surgery the physiotherapist helped me get out of bed and take a few steps. Furthermore, by the following morning I was waking with crutches along the corridor of the hospital! I was at the Three Shires Hospital, which was 1.5 hours away from my home so I chose to stay in for a second night, the care in the hospital was excellent. Once home, I needed the crutches for a couple of days, but by day 5 I had progressed onto hiking poles. I also hired a "Game Ready" recovery ice machine that cooled the surgery area and helped keep any swelling under control. By day 8 I was able to walk over 1km with the hiking poles and I began physiotherapy with Luke at GoPerform. The preparation prior to surgery certainly helped, along with the Superb surgery from Professor Griffin. On day 12 I had a video call with Professor Griffin and I was able to remove the dressing, his call was very helpful and I was very impressed with the neatness of the scar! It is now day 18 and I am attending rehabilitation daily at GoPerform along with a 2 km walk. I must say that I am delighted with the overall experience so far and I look forward to progressing over the coming weeks. Professor Griffin and his Team are outstanding !