My name is Catherine and I’m 84 years of age.

On 15th December 2015 at The Oaklands Hospital Salford, Professor Jari performed surgery to replace my arthritic knee with a new tungsten joint. I had previously suffered for years with pain and had earlier had an arthroscopy on the same knee as well as pain killing injections for short term relief.

When I arrived at the Oakiands that morning, I was soon put at ease by the kind staff who prepared me for my operation.

I woke after the procedure and I was in bed and my leg was being gently exercised by a machine flexing it slowly to and fro, instantly improving the mobility of my new knee joint. I had no pain, just a little discomfort and I thought that I must have been given Morphine.

The physiotherapist came to see me the morning after my operation to begin my rehabilitation and he came again before I was discharged and explained to me which exercises I needed to do to help my recovery. He gave me a handbook with all the exercises in it. This little booklet was never far from me during the following days and weeks, I was aware that the exercises were very important, and I did my best to adhere to the programme as much as I could. My family made me rest and cared for me during the following couple of weeks and my pain relief was two paracetamol but only when necessary.

I was seen by the physiotherapist on the 26th January and he said I was doing very well and to keep up with my exercises, I was still using my crutches then. One month later I went to the physio again, using a stick this time, and was told that I did not need to go again. I went to see Professor Jari for the first time since the operation also on the 26th January, immediately after my first physiotherapy appointment and he was very satisfied with my progress and said he would see me again in six weeks time and to keep up with my exercises.

After another six weeks I returned and this time Professor Jari was delighted with my continued progress and how well my replacement knee had settled, he said I did not need to go to see him again. He also told me my leg would continue to improve over the next 12 months and to do some resistance exercises to help the improvement.

I would like to thank Professor Jari and his team at The Oaklands Hospital for their dedication to their profession and congratulate them on the success they have in helping fellow human beings, like me, to become pain free.

Thank you so much and long may your success continue.

June 2016

Catherine