Meryl, a former long-distance runner was persuaded by her family to visit her GP when she was 42 years old because she was in severe pain and starting to limp.
Meryl’s family were concerned that the maternal line in their family had osteoarthritis; her Grandma diagnosed in her early 40s and her mother in her 70s. Meryl had also suffered a sports injury whilst running, hitting a dog and falling on her right hip when she was younger, creating an ongoing weakness.
The pain became quite unbearable and she was referred to Mr Vedi. They had conversations surrounding the fact that she was very young to have a hip replacement and she needed to look at options to delay inevitable surgery. She started with steroid injections which helped for the first couple of years. But she was in so much pain - living on pain relief - whether she was standing up, sitting or lying down she had this sharp stabbing pain.
The pain she was experiencing had a direct impact on her personality – for the worse – she was moodier, passive and became withdrawn. She wasn’t even able to do basic daily tasks like clean the house.
Then in October last year at a family wedding – her family, seeing her struggle, encouraged her to rethink surgery. Meryl returned home and saw Mr Vedi again. She had a total hip replacement in March 2019, staying for three nights at BMI Bishops Wood Hospital.
She was up and about the same day of surgery – the Thursday - by Saturday she was walking on crutches and on Sunday she was managing the stairs. Meryl had regular physio sessions and made sure she did her daily exercises. Within three weeks, she was able to get herself a drink, go downstairs more and cook for herself and after six weeks she was down to walking with one crutch.
Meryl said “I feel like I have a new life. The constant pain and impaired mobility had changed my personality but now I can do things for myself again. A few hours have completely changed my life!”
She adds ”Mr Vedi is a hero. He is so good at explaining each stage and is so clear and confident. He recommends all options and helps you decide which option is right for you. Thank for so much for everything Mr Vedi.”
Three months after surgery, Meryl is now back to walking long distances again with no crutches, driving and has started cycling to work – something she has not done for decades.