"Treatment and physiotherapy after fractures"

Last year I fell and broke my femur and an existing hip replacement. The surgeon did a wonderful job and I was discharged the following week able to walk and climb stairs fairly comfortably.                        

The following week I had to return to Ninewells to get my wound checked and unfortunately the long car journeys triggered some sort of internal damage causing excruciating pain and I literally couldn’t move my hip or leg. 

After returning to Ninewells by ambulance, I had a very bad experience in A and E, being abandoned for hours after an initial x-ray. A change of staff found me and arranged for me to be returned to ward 17/18. Because the X-ray found no damage to the joints, I was given no further treatment despite the fact I was unable to stand up or walk and the extreme pain was unbearable. I was effectively ‘bed blocking’ and was to be moved to another ward. Since no other investigation was on offer, I decided to go home by car after being prescribed painkillers. 

After a GP phone consultation, it was thought to be a trapped nerve and I was prescribed appropriate meds. It took quite a few weeks before the pain started to ease off a bit and my mobility began to improve. During this period, I attempted to contact the Physiotherapy Department in Arbroath a number of times with little response- my GP also arranged contact too. I did  eventually manage to speak to a very helpful receptionist who arranged  a visit from a physiotherapist a few days later.

Heidi arrived promptly and finally, my progress speeded up. Heidi has a warm, friendly disposition and listens carefully. She efficiently explains exercises, demonstrates and checks to ensure that they are done properly. She also adapts them appropriately according to progress and gives encouragement and praise to improve confidence. Heidi has been a godsend. Thanks a million Heidi!!!  I hope you get to read this and feel proud of your talents. 

NB After a follow-up appointment with my surgeon, the cause of my excruciating pain was said to be a detached muscle which was most likely to be caused by the car journey to Ninewells to check my wound. Surely a visit from a local nurse would have been safer.