"Total Left Hip replacement 3 Sept 2015"

This was my second replacement following the right hip in August 2010. I had no hesitation in choosing The Horder Centre again and the same surgeon.

I had expectations based on my previous experience - which was excellent - and this time it was even better. The pre-op assessments were straightforward and waiting time was non-existent; I was attended to on both occasions promptly and efficiently.

From the preceding evening phone call, special recovery-aid drinks, and check in at 07:45 the next morning through to the operation at about noon, everything was smooth, attention and information given was first class and I felt confident throughout.

Recovery seemed much quicker this time, and pain, especially in the first 12-24 hours, much less. I was walking early the following morning, a good 6 hours before 2010!

Throughout all the staff - care staff, nurses, consultants and physiotherapists were courteous, helpful and treated me well and with dignity. And the food was good.

The 'Total Hip Replacement' booklet is a super bible to help speed recovery. The 'do's and don’ts' are most valuable, and the exercise regime straightforward. I found incidentally that within 2 weeks I only needed 1 stick and, with a pedometer on my hip, was walking 3/4 mile just indoors each days, including stairs about 12-20 times. We made a number of excursions by car and train to nearby towns and London in the first 4 weeks and I dispensed with the single stick after 5 weeks. Whilst I took painkillers in the first couple of weeks use is only occasional now.

My discharge appointment last week was speedy and I'm back driving with no difficulty, and looking forward to the next few weeks of further recovery and restarting 'heavy' gardening and playing golf in the New Year.