Testimonials

I had a partial knee replacement. I have nothing but praise for my surgeon. He took the time to clearly explain everything to me and was easy to communicate with. The operation seems to be a success, and I can’t wait to have my other knee operated on by him.

Following my complete knee replacement, I just wanted to thank you so much for the brilliant job that you did. Right from my first assessment, I felt in very professional and safe hands. You explained everything in detail, listened to my worries about the operation, and told me exactly what I should do to prepare myself to give me the best possible outcome. To my mind, you don’t just carry out the operation required; you treat the person as a whole. Consequently, on the morning of the operation, although there is of course the nervousness of having it done, the minute you came into the room full of confidence and positivity, it radiated around the room and created such a feeling of utter trust. The care in the hospital is second to none, and when the staff knew who was carrying out my operation, they actually told me that I was extremely fortunate to have you, as in their opinion, you were simply the best. Which I can totally agree with wholeheartedly. Your support, concern, and professional advice throughout have been of the utmost importance in my very successful recovery, for which I am most grateful.

After months of tolerating worsening pain in my knee that prevented me from walking and exercising, I chose to visit the hospital for diagnosis and hopefully treatment. I am very pleased I did. My surgeon listened to my problem and gave an initial diagnosis that proved to be correct after an MRI scan. After a further appointment to review the scan, he recommended a steroid injection, which was carried out immediately. As I write this two weeks later, I am pain-free and starting physiotherapy to prevent re-occurrence. The experience was professional and efficient, with a personal touch from both my surgeon and his secretary. I’ve been very impressed from start to finish.

Both of my knees had progressively gotten more painful and were arthritic, though I still managed to golf, play tennis, and ski, mainly due to anti-inflammatory and painkilling drugs. I believe it was due to an excessive amount of rugby and athletics in my formative years. I decided to go for full replacement of both knees at the same time and came off crutches at three weeks, mainly due to the devoted but very painful attentions of my wife, who is a physiotherapist. I never used sticks. For the three months preceding surgery, I had gone through a daily exercise regime to strengthen my legs and had lost a stone in weight. I believe this was the critical factor to allow my surgeon to work his magic and then to get back on my feet quickly. I played in a golf tournament with a golf cart nine weeks after surgery and, though walking was tiring, the golf swing was unimpeded. I have continued with the exercises both at home and as an outpatient, where the support has been excellent. I’ve added to them as needed and from 12 weeks after surgery, I have gone into London a couple of times a week for work and sometimes have three meetings in different locations. I happily use the tube and walk for over 10,000 steps. I stopped taking any drugs after seven weeks. I expect to be back on the tennis court in six weeks and skiing next March. The first four weeks after surgery were painful but manageable with painkillers, and gradually increasing the distance I walked was good as a measure of progress and gave me confidence. There is no doubt in my mind that doing the exercises and setting targets sped up my recovery. Sleeping for the first four weeks was difficult because with bilateral surgery, there is no ‘good’ side on which to lie. The physios also took delight in suggesting that for any new exercise, I put my good leg forward first. The professionalism of my surgeon and his team was remarkable. He said I would know when it was time to have the surgery, and he was right. I’m very glad that I had it done. I was 62 at the time of surgery, limped, and was in pain most of the time but otherwise in good health. My prospects for an active, pain-free life well into my seventies are looking a lot better now.

After quite a lot of pain in my left knee, I decided to go private because of a planned holiday in the Alps. I was given a choice of three hospitals and decided on the Circle. When I had my pre-op appointment, I was amazed at how airy and clean it was. Just like a five-star hotel! My encounter with my surgeon was equally nice and relaxed. I had an X-ray there and then, and a few minutes later, I had the result. I was quite surprised at how worn out my knee was. He explained that I needed a half-knee operation and what risks could occur. Everything made sense to me, and I was very happy when I was given a date for the operation. I was admitted on that day. My surgeon and his team were fantastic, and all went very well. I was up and about the same afternoon and had my first physiotherapy session. Again, the staff were very patient and friendly. I was released and recovered well at home. I decided to try and bring my "signing off" date forward, as I felt fit enough to go back to work. His secretary kindly granted me an appointment with my surgeon. He was quite surprised at how well I was doing. By then, I was driving again and took my dog out for three-mile walks every day. I was signed off and went back to work. My progress is going well, and I will go on holiday to Switzerland, where I like to walk in the Alps. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my surgeon and his team very much for everything and not to forget the secretary, who was always very friendly on the phone and gave me prompt appointments. I hope the hospital will always keep its superb standards.

During the year I sustained separate sports injuries to both my knees. As part of his service, my surgeon explained the pros and cons of surgical intervention very clearly and addressed all my questions and concerns. His personal guidance put me at ease regarding my decision to go ahead with the surgery. Following my surgery, he was on hand to recommend the best approach for me to return to playing sports. I would have no hesitation in recommending my surgeon and his team.

My right knee became a problem. My surgeon suggested physiotherapy and exercises to contain the problem, sadly to no effect. He operated, replacing the whole joint. I walked around my bed within four hours of returning from recovery and was released from the hospital after three nights. My pain level was moderate at worst. There has been some swelling, but only limited bruising, and following further physiotherapy and exercises, after seven weeks, I am pain-free, walking normally, and using only one crutch – and that’s purely for expeditions. I am delighted with the result of the operation; my knee is more comfortable than it has been for several years. I am most grateful for the courtesy, great skill, and care provided by my surgeon and his nursing team.

I had a knee arthroscopy to remove and clean up damaged cartilage after six years of repeated injury and dislocation from playing sports. I had been putting off the idea of surgery, but it was a great decision to finally get it seen to. I couldn’t be happier with the results so far, and in less time than expected. Running, squats, and climbing stairs caused pain and a lot more cracking than a 22-year-old’s knee should have! Now, two weeks after the operation, and following the physiotherapy exercises given after the operation, I am driving and climbing and descending stairs without a problem, and I’m on the road to a full recovery, hoping to get back to regular exercise within the next few weeks. The staff at the hospital were great, and I would like to thank my surgeon for fixing the problem and taking me through an explanation of the work he did in the follow-up.

I went to see my surgeon after my knee was giving way when playing football. He quickly informed me that my knee was in a very bad way and would need an osteotomy, which would involve three operations. He explained what would need to be done, and we began the process. He also informed me that I wouldn’t play football again. This became a running joke as I informed him I would recover and play again! The second operation was major; admittedly, I underestimated this. It did knock me for six, and I knew I had a long recovery ahead of me. With the help of my surgeon and the physiotherapy team, I began my recovery. I worked hard every day in the gym as I was determined to get back on the pitch. Each time I visited my surgeon for a check-up, I asked the question, “Will I play again?” The answer remained the same, as did my response. Four months or so passed, and I began light running on the knee. A few months later, I was doing sprints. I had broken a barrier. I still had some discomfort, as I could feel the plate that had been put in the knee. A year down the line, my third operation came, which was taking the plate out, a small operation. After a few weeks, my knee felt brand new; it felt safe, sturdy, and I felt confident. It wasn’t long before I was running and began football training. Three months after the last knee operation, I felt I was ready to play again. My first game back, I came on as a substitute for about 20 minutes; it was an amazing feeling. In my eyes, I had done it! As the season went on, my game time increased, and I began to gain confidence. I scored a couple of goals and felt my love for football return. I completed the season, and to my surprise, I finished the season with an impressive scoring record. When I began pre-season, I had developed into the team’s focal point and had taken on more responsibility. I am now scoring regularly, and with the injury worries behind me, I’m thoroughly enjoying my football again. Thank you to my surgeon and the team for getting me back on the pitch!

I would like to say thank you for the highly professional and considerate way I have been treated by all your team at the hospital. I am particularly grateful to have enjoyed access to your own skills and related technology. I now look forward to a positive review.

Five months ago, I had a complete knee replacement at the hospital. My excellent surgeon performed the operation successfully, and the care I received was very good. Physiotherapy began in the few days that I was a patient, and I was discharged with instructions to continue with the exercises at home, together with a plentiful supply of painkillers. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of carrying out these instructions. It was painful at first, but the pain did ease, and there was the stimulation of knowing I was helping myself and cooperating with my surgeon. Not only my knee but my whole body has benefited, and my balance and confidence have improved enormously. I continue to do the exercises every day.

My surgeon certainly performed an excellent unicompartmental knee replacement on me. I was fortunate; at 68 years old, I was able to stay fit before the operation by cycling. Then I walked out of the hospital the morning after the operation with no walking aids; I understand this is unusual. I was conscientious about my physiotherapy, and within three weeks, I was walking better and further than I was able to do before the operation. Within two months, I was back in ballet classes, performing most of the exercises. I must add that my surgeon's attitude was inspirational and certainly encouraged my recovery efforts. Now, at 71, I have become the oldest person in this country to pass the Royal Academy of Dance’s Grade 6 ballet exam.

Many thanks indeed for giving me a new lease of life. My hip replacement is wonderful, thanks to your skill and those of the staff at the hospital. From the moment you walk in, you are shown kindness and consideration by each of the staff. It has been a wonderful experience, and I would strongly recommend anyone to go to the hospital for treatment.

I don’t know all of your names, as there were so many lovely people looking after me, but I would like to send my most sincere thanks for making the whole process of my knee replacement relatively painless and for being so lovely. My surgeon, his team in surgery, the wonderful nursing staff, physiotherapists, and the lovely people that fed me and cleaned my room. A great big thank you! I am genuinely looking forward to my second knee replacement!

My surgeon did an amazing job on my knee. The pain before my knee operation was quite severe. I could not get in and out of the car; I was limping badly and could not sleep at night. I was in chronic pain; it was unbearable. Having my new knee has been a life-changing experience. My surgeon explained clearly what would happen during the operation and the aftercare. The standard of care in the hospital was exemplary; nothing was too much trouble. I can now do many things that were impossible before because of the excruciating pain. I can go for walks, sleep at night, and I cannot thank my surgeon enough for his work. I would highly recommend him to anyone thinking of having a knee replacement. I am no longer in chronic pain, and for this, I am extremely grateful.

I am still skipping down the lanes of Henley thanks to you – with both legs the same length.

I had an ACL reconstructive surgery. Before the surgery, I had a consultation with my surgeon, who fully explained the procedure, what to expect, and the aftercare and recovery period. On the day of the surgery, he explained the procedure again, answered my questions, and put my mind at ease. The procedure went by as comfortably as I could ever expect. He visited me after the procedure to check on me and answer any questions I had. All in all, it was as pleasant and comfortable an experience as I could expect under the circumstances, and if I had the procedure again, I wouldn’t hesitate to have him perform it again.

I am so lucky I chose this hospital for my knee surgery. Outstanding services from all departments. Specifically, I would like to thank my surgeon, who took responsibility. I’m recovering really well and quicker than I thought. I feel my knee getting stronger day by day. Thanks.

The year prior to my total knee operation, I could no longer walk without difficulty, certainly not undertake longer walks which I love. I was referred to my surgeon. At all times, I found him factual; he explained the problem clearly, was always courteous, had a sense of humor, and inspired total confidence. The operation went well. After a short stay in the hospital, I went home and started the recuperation routine as prescribed by the medical team. This is a major operation, so yes, there is a degree of pain. But it is manageable, and after two months or so, I was able to walk without sticks and go on regular walks. Six months later, I was back on my bike, and a year and a half later, I went on an 11-day walking tour in the Alps. We never walked for less than six hours a day; the terrain was difficult at times. At no point did I feel any difficulty with regards to my hip. My surgeon has changed my life. I shall always be grateful.