Professor Philip Chapman-Sheath

Written by a patient at Spire Southampton Hospital

After my first knee replacement operation I didn't think the implant was stable. After 9 months I still had a lot of pain and swelling and didn't really trust it. I spoke to my consultant and the physiotherapist on a number of occasions in that time and finally plucked up the courage to say how unhappy I was with the whole situation. Despite being told there was nothing wrong and everything was just fine (and more to keep me quiet I think) it was arranged for me to see Mr Chapman Sheath to get the opinion of another surgeon. Within a couple of minutes of my first consultation with and for the first time in almost a year I felt someone was actually listening to my concerns. After a very brief examination of my knee Mr Chapman-Sheath confirmed it was unstable/out of alignment and that I would either have to live with it or have a revision operation. He explained fully about the risks and possible rewards. He told me exactly what the second operation would mean to my mobility etc including a longer recovery but that it would at least be stable. He was at all times caring, concerned that I fully understood all about what he was thinking of doing and left the decision with me. He was very considerate about my concerns, always honest about the possible outcome and I just wish I had had him as my original Consultant. I cannot praise this man highly enough. He listened to me when I had reached the point where I was wishing I had never had the operation to start with. The aftercare I received from him and his team has also been of the highest standard.

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Written by a patient at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital

The pre-operation briefing and information provided prepared me well. At each stage the care and support given by Mr.Chapman-Sheath and his team was exemplary. Post the operation I have been checked over twice carefully by Mr.Chapman-Sheath and signed off after six months. I have had no discomfort after the initial days in hospital and have not needed pain killers. The exercise routine provided has worked very well. I had put up with sore knees for about ten years, but I probably should have faced up up to a proper investigation earlier. I shall always be grateful to Mr. Chapman-Sheath for his attention and for the successful outcome of the operation.

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Written by a patient at Spire Southampton Hospital

On Thursday 12th July 2018 Mr Philip J. Chapman-Sheath (PJ. C-S) performed total knee replacement surgery on my right knee. The next day I was walking on crutches and the following day, Saturday, I was discharged to return home. PJ. C-S and all his team were very professional and reassuring at every stage; I felt I was in competent hands. The anaesthetist Mr Ian Mettam was especially helpful in explaining the procedure and benefits of a spinal anaesthetic which he expertly performed. Prior to my discussion with him I had serious reservations about the procedure and would have taken a general anaesthetic of which I had experience. However, I am glad I accepted his advice and found my post operative recovery was much more rapid and clear of side effects. I also took the option of a sedative so that I was essentially asleep during the operation. The arthritic pain which had persuaded me to have surgery disappeared completely after the operation. The medication to control post operative pain was taken orally (not by injection) and was very effective. After a few weeks I was able to reduce the dosage and after 3 months I no longer needed painkillers on a regular basis. Although I had been told the importance of doing post operative exercises to gain best performance from my new knee I had not fully comprehended that immediately after the operation I could hardly bend my leg. The best I could do was about 20 degrees which I found rather worrying but the hospital physiotherapist said it was quite good and would improve with exercise which it did. I had physiotherapy therapy for about 6 weeks followed by hydrotherapy for a similar period and after each session was given a list of exercises to perform by myself. Initial recovery was faster than I expected with the range of bending movement (flexion) improving such that I could drive a car after 3 to 4 weeks, ride my bicycle on the roads after 6 weeks and do most physical activities that I wanted after 3 months. During this time PJ. C-S monitored my progress with post operative consultations after 3 weeks, 8 weeks, and finally after 8 months when radiographs were taken which he showed and explained to me. After every consultation with him he wrote his conclusions in letters that he sent to my GP and myself so that I was always fully informed. At this time, March 2019 we are all very pleased with the outcome of the surgery; my range of motion is better than it was before the operation and the residual stiffness and soreness in my knee continues to gradually diminish. I have been told these symptoms typically disappear by about a year after surgery. PJ. C-S has told me that it is permissible to kneel down on padded surfaces which I can do but it will take a bit more time to be fully comfortable in doing so. The decision to have major knee surgery is not taken lightly. I first met with PJ. C-S in January 2012, when I was experiencing problems walking due to the arthritis in my knee. We discussed all the options extensively and concluded that I would carry on without surgery while I could do so. There was no pressure from him to rush to surgery. Six years later, after a step change in the arthritic pain I decided to proceed with the operation. Despite my apprehension, it was the right decision. Philip Chapman-Sheath is someone who is very easy to talk with, has a ready sense of humour and is very serious about his professional responsibilities. I am very grateful to him for his care.

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Written by a patient at Spire Southampton Hospital

He filled me with confidence before and after my operation.

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Written by a patient at Spire Southampton Hospital

PCS. Calm, kind, honest consultancy, takes time to listen and explain procedure thoroughly. result of his surgery and future prognosis excellent, if knee replacement can be a pleasure it has been done as well as you could wish for and on his part with great charm. Physiocare of George Street, Ryde IOW. have played an important part in my rehab, particularly Anna,who has been highly motivational,as have the other Instructors at their associated Hydro therapy pool, at Safe Harbour ,TheStrand ,Ryde IOW.

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