Before her first surgery, Sharon shared: “I was petrified. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get on my feet at all.”
“After the first surgery, it was the best thing ever. I was up and walking just hours later. I had freedom in my leg again. The staff were lovely, keeping an eye on me the whole time.”
Sharon’s second surgery was equally successful. She was discharged in time to catch Big Brother on TV that evening.
“I’m now back to walking long distances, driving, climbing ladders – even getting down to the floor and back up again. It’s truly life-changing,” she said.
Sharon’s case was a first for both the hospital and Mr Rajesh Bawale. She was Medway’s first patient to undergo bilateral hip replacements as same-day surgeries, and his first same-day hip patient overall.
Mr Rajesh Bawale explained: “Same-day hip arthroplasty was introduced here last year and Sharon was a perfect candidate. Patient selection is key to success as not all patients are suitable for day surgery.”
“The home environment helps a lot mentally,” said Sharon. “You’re more comfortable, more relaxed. The communication from the team was amazing. I never felt alone.”
Mr Rajesh Bawale added: “If a patient is nervous, we want them to know we’re here for them. Communication is key. No patient should ever feel unsupported at home.”
Reflecting on her experience, Sharon said: “Mr Bawale and his team gave me my life back. If you’re eligible for this type of surgery, I would 100 percent recommend it. Yes, it sounds scary, but the support is there every step of the way. It’s changed everything.”
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