In the two years since his hip replacement, Stephen Tooke, 62 from Malborough, Devon, says he’s transformed his health and fitness and feels in better shape than he has for decades. On his two-year ‘hip-anniversary’, Stephen reflects on the positive changes in his life after surgery and credits Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, and especially his consultant Mr Miller, for literally changing his life.
“I’m forever grateful to Mr Miller and the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth. I see my new hip as a gift. What I’ve been able to accomplish in the past two years would not have been remotely possible if I’d still had the burden of hip pain. I’d urge anyone sitting on the fence about surgery to just get on with it!”
Stephen Tooke, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth
He says: “If I look back to where I was two years ago to now, so much has changed since I had my hip replaced. At the time my hip had started to play up badly and I had back pain from an old rugby injury. The combination of ailments meant I was not as fit and agile as I used to be and gradually, I put on weight through lack of mobility and began to feel unhealthy.
“I’d been put off the idea of pursing a hip replacement as I’d heard stories of long NHS waiting times. I’d also felt I might be too young for an op as you associate hip replacements with much older people. A retired physio friend of mine urged me to speak to my GP as she could see how much pain I was in and said I should get it seen to. Eventually I made an appointment and was sent for x-rays. The radiologist took one look at the images and declared my hip was ‘knackered’.
“My GP referred me to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, which surprised me as it’s a private hospital, however I learned they treated NHS patients too. Mr Miller, my consultant, saw the x-ray and booked me onto the first day of his new list so I was able to have surgery very quickly. However, at my pre-op he told me that I should try to lose a bit of weight before the surgery to reduce my BMI and minimise any risks of the op. With some careful calorie counting I was able to lose 7lbs before surgery.
“Since the day I had the surgery, I can honestly say my life then re-started. The operation went smoothly, and I got a bit of a two-for-one as my back pain disappeared the minute my hip was replaced. I’m not sure if it was the epidural or the process of replacing the hip itself, but either way I’m not complaining! My hip and back pain have both vanished. The immediate freedom of movement I felt in my body, coupled with an initial session with the physio post-surgery, was enough to motivate me to re-boot my fitness for good.
“I started exercising immediately after the operation starting off with gentle stretches and my suggested physio routine. I also mapped out a walking plan, initially on crutches setting a 5-minute target which increased daily to eventually dropping the crutches to begin to re-learn how to walk normally once again!”
“The things I want to do come naturally to me now. I can help with school runs for my granddaughters, socialise with my walking buddies and I’ve joined a gym at a local hotel which I visit regularly. I feel I’ve had a complete re-start to life.”
Stephen Tooke, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth
Soon after at a check-up at the local health centre it was noted that my blood pressure was high. I was asked to consider medication but not wishing to go down that route alternatives were discussed including diet and weight loss – I choose the latter.
My local health centre friendly nurse and I agreed a target weight loss plan of 30 lbs within three months and every fortnight, Sally would pop me on the scales to check my progress. Eventually I was able to walk the 5K to have my weigh in and record the lowering blood pressure – I was delighted when I exceeded my target having lost 32lbs and normalised my blood pressure in the timeframe through my new walking regime. None of this would have been possible with my old hip. The change in my life has been remarkable.
“I’ve pulled together a local group of walkers and we all have something in common – joint surgery! Some of my pals have had their hip or knees done too. We regularly walk together along the coastline which is a great social boost and keeps us all active. It proves that life really can get better after joint surgery. I just wish I hadn’t put it off for all those years. At the first sign of trouble, I really should have got on with it.”
“I can also now enjoy quality time with my grandchildren too. Not only can I run about with them with my new hip (and lack of back pain) now that I’ve lost weight. The things I want to do come naturally to me now. I can help with school runs for my granddaughters, socialise with my walking buddies and I’ve joined a gym at a local hotel which I visit regularly. I feel I’ve had a complete re-start to life.
“I’m forever grateful to Mr Miller and the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth. I see my new hip as a gift. What I’ve been able to accomplish in the past two years would not have been remotely possible if I’d still had the burden of hip pain. I’d urge anyone sitting on the fence about surgery to just get on with it!”
