Janet Taylor

I first met Professor Ghoz at The County Hospital, Stafford, on 15th Oct 2021 for my National Health routine appointment. This was to discuss the possibility of a Hip Replacement. In his opinion I was definitely in need of a new hip. I asked him how long I would have to wait for the operation on the National Health. We disused the possibility of me having the operation done privately. He told me I could have it done at local private hospital. I then said, “what about if you did it in London.” He looked at me with his inquiring smile!! I said, “Yes, as you know all about me! I Googled you. So, I know all about you.” I think the thought of this quite amused him.

At this point we both realised we were going to have good rapport. The decision was made. I would ring the London Clinic.

Nadine, one of Professor Gohz’s secretaries was exceptionally charming and very efficient, arranged my appointment. Because I was travelling down from Staffordshire the team were very considerate and arranged for my assessment to be done as close to the operation as possible. This meant I could self- isolate in a local hotel instead of driving home and back.

On arriving at the Clinic, I found all the staff very efficient and friendly, this put me at ease straight away. It was the same when I arrived for my operation on the 8th November 2021.

My room was spacious with everything I could need. Professor Gohz soon came to see me to re-assure me that everything was ready for my procedure.

When I was back from theatre, I was made very comfortable, and they told me that I was a 5* patient. Drinking plenty of water, which in turn, made me have to get up 5 times in the night to walk to the bathroom!! (most patients apparently opt for a bedpan the first night) I think this determined attitude proved to be the success to a quick recovery. Professor Ghoz and all his staff were encouraging me all the way.

I was thrilled to be told that before I left on the 10th November I could go to the Hydro Pool with the physiotherapist. This was particularly appropriate for me, as I had been going swimming, (and walking) every day, to get as fit as I could before my operation. It was a wonderful experience.

Unfortunately, my love of, and determination to get back to swimming was literally my downfall. My local pool was where I fell!! It did hurt a bit. Looking back? Yes, quite a lot!! Did I go for an x-ray, as everyone advised? NO. I was far too busy. It was coming up to Christmas. I had far too many places to go, and things to do.

One of the first questions Professor Gohz asked me when I saw him for the first time was “What is one of your goals?” I said, “To sing in my choir concert on the 16th of December.” Yes, I did sing at the concert! I hobbled on with 2 crutches and had to use a music stand.

On the 22nd of December I spoke to The Prof (I found out that this is what everyone called him) on WhatsApp - this was our preferred form of communication, as I live about 150

miles from London - I told him about my fall. I could tell by his face he was not happy with me. In fact, the smiley face was not so smiley. I had definitely lost my 5*! He didn’t tell me off, he calmly told me how “concerned and disappointed” he was. Needless to say, he made me an appointment for an x-ray and advised me not to put any weight on my left leg.

Unfortunately, due to Christmas and New Year we could not get an x-ray appointment, even a private one until the 6th of January. Yes, I had split my femur!! I then obtained a wheelchair. I might not be allowed to weight bear, but no one was going to keep me in!! Christmas and New Year still had to be enjoyed!!

Off I went back down to London. This time, to the Cromwell Hospital, Professor Ghoz’s preferred hospital for this operation. Pre-op was on the 17th January. This was late in the afternoon so that I had plenty of time to get down from Staffordshire. This is just typical of how considerate Professor Gohz and his team have been.

When I was on my way to x-ray in my wheelchair, there was a tap on my shoulder. It was Professor Gohz. He seemed pleased to see me and told me everything was in place for my op on the 20th.

I arrived at the Hospital early afternoon. Again, no rush for me. My room was already. It wasn’t too long to wait before I was taken down to meet my anaesthetist. I am so sorry I can’t remember his name. I hope you will recognise him by the scenario I am about to tell you. To relax me, he asked “what would you be doing tonight if you were not having this operation”? I replied. “I would be at Choir Practice”. “What are you practising?” “The Mozart Requiem” I replied. He then proceeded to sing me a few bars of the “Lacrymosa”. So, I sang it with him. Then I was asked to get into position for my epidural. “Sorry you will have to bend further than that.” Please curl over like a cat” So I did a little “Mew”. He laughed and said no one had ever done that before and proceeded to sing a few bars of the “Cat Duet,” by Rossini, of course I joined him. By this time, I think the poor nurse thought we were both mad. I have dined out on this story a few times. I hope he has as well!!

I had been warned that it was going to be a longer and more intrusive operation. When I woke up back in my room, I could not believe how different I felt from my first operation. The pain was so much worse, and I couldn’t move my leg. No getting straight out of bed. Much worse than I ever imagined. It was not long before I realized my recovery was not going to be as easy, even with my determination. The nurses were super because I was upset, and I did have a little cry. They all reassured me everything would be fine, and it was quite normal, it would just take longer. This was backed up by the physio who came to see me the next morning. I could only just get out of bed. With a lot of help, and only dragging my leg, not lifting it, I managed to walk, with a frame, and only few steps. I was given some exercises to do. I did my best, but I needed a lot of pain relief. Then next day the physio came again and told me she could see some progress and was very pleased and gave me some more exercises. I persevered with the exercises and eventually managed to get to the bathroom “Hooray!” Although everyone seemed pleased with my progress the physio told me she and The Prof would be happier if I could stay an extra day/ night. I agreed, I was also enjoying the first-class catering. On the day I left, I could now walk with my crutches, but I still needed to be taken to the exit in a wheelchair.

I always looked forward My WhatsApp meetings with Professor Gohz. We did talk about the progress of my hip, but then we’d go on to talk about music and Classic cars. He really does have a charming manner and luckily a good sense of humour. This might not always be the case if you don’t do as you’re told /advised or break your femur when he had done a job which he was very proud of!

Eight weeks after my op I was walking with only one crutch. I was all ready to go back to aqua exercises and swimming. Then I got covid, luckily only the bad cold and fatigue in the afternoons. So, I had to wait 10 days for the ‘all clear’. By this time, I did not need crutches at all.

Not bad progress considering what I had gone though. I do put most of it down to my friend who is a trained physio. She was very strict. Considering on her first visit I could only lift my leg up about 2” and move it to the side about 3”when standing. When lying down it was even more difficult, but every day I managed a tiny bit more. The correct use of pain relief was also a key factor. I learnt that, even though I don’t like taking tablets, you cannot do the exercises when the pain is unbearable. I also used a lot of ice packs, continuing the regime instigated for me in hospital. I haven't had to use ice packs for at least two months, and I am now completely fee from pain killers. However, I have added aqua dance and Pilates to my fitness regime.

At my last WhatsApp meeting with Prof Ghoz he said I could be discharged. We both agreed that we would miss our chats, but I was to send him any interesting updates regarding my Classics cars. He said he likes to keep in touch with all his patients that live interesting lives making the most of their regained fitness following their operations.

Thank you all for your friendship, patience, and encouragement