"Ankle Fusion surgery"

I was first referred to the Horder Centre five years ago, by my GP. I was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon. After years of a deteriorating right ankle, including the loss of the ability to run or even jog, the surgeon was the first person to give me a clear explanation of the causes of the condition, the present options and the long term prognosis. I returned earlier this year and, after a further detailed discussion of continued deterioration of the joint, we agreed that there was no benefit in deferring the fusion surgery any longer. I was able to select an approximate timing for the operation, to fit my personal circumstances, and I was also able to continue a dialogue with the doctor via email as the surgery approached and I had further questions about the procedure, likely outcomes, average success rates, etc. Pre-op information from the Horder Centre was excellent and plentiful and each visit reinforced my confidence in the staff and the facilities, at every level. I went in for the surgery last week and found everything from the welcome and admission process to the prep and the surgery itself, followed by two days of in-patient treatment, ran extremely smoothly; the atmosphere created is one of professional competence and care, with a minimum of fuss and no drama. Everyone from the catering staff and cleaners through the nursing staff and physios to the surgical team and consultant could not have been more friendly, supportive, professional and forthcoming with information. I was able to talk through a choice of anaesthetic options and received excellent support, care and information updates from all the theatre staff throughout the operation. I was taken by surprise by an offer to choose my own background music for the theatre - and on reflection, the Killers may have seemed inappropriate, but actually it kept me engaged and having something more upbeat and loud probably helped to distract from the disconcerting sawing and banging noises associated with the surgery. I was also re-assured that selecting something the consultant wouldn't want to sing along to was a blessing for everyone else :-) I have a long period of re-hab ahead, but so far I could not be more happy with the care and support I have received through a potentially very traumatic process.