Arthroscopy Worldwide

I had a hip operation on 4th October 2022. Two weeks after the operation I find I am able to walk with a stick for 300 yards twice a day. I can also walk around the house on the flat without a stick for short distances. Admittedly there have been bruises and soreness to contend with following the op. Amazingly the operation date was fixed within three and a half weeks of my initial contact with NORD. A relative of mine had gone to NORD for a knee op in January and for the second knee in May. Her personal feedback was very helpful for me then knowing what to expect. My wife accompanied on both occasions. NORD came highly recommended. During my 2 day stay at the Clinic, when I had the operation, I saw the surgeon 4 times. He had done many hundreds of ops in his career. He told me what kind of new hip joint he would be putting in. Nursing care from the unrushed staff was on hand throughout, following recovery from the op. Physiotherapy was also given to get the patient to walk with crutches the day after the op. All communication beforehand from NORD was both speedy and clear. Before I made initial contact with NORD, my relative advised me to get a printout of my medical history from the GP. I also got the report from the NHS orthopaedic consultant. In addition, I obtained the XRay reports. I also requested an ECG. I got my Bloods checked too and got the results. All this was requested by NORD before I went. I was at the NORD Clinic for 2 days and at the UPA for post-op rehab for 8 further days. Allowing for arrival and settling in at a hotel we were away for 12 days. The 8 days was about the right amount to stay at UPA for me. Transport at every point was provided by NORD and they always came on time. It was reassuring to be met at Kaunas airport on arrival. I went with my wife who was a vital help during my time there. Going to have a hip operation 'alone' presents problems of not being able to pick things up off the floor, not being helped to adjust a little in the bed or just getting things needed. Those who went alone found they struggled more than I did and the days could be long. Taking a simple mechanical grabber stick was essential. A long shoe horn is of help too. At UPA near the end of our stay, we took a taxi for 5 euros into Druskininki the nearby town. It was good to walk around there with crutches in a new location. But I did have company. Also took the funicular lasting 20 mins. This gave a bird's eye view of the town, forest and river. The food was very good at the Clinic and at UPA. At UPA, each day, I had physio for 20 mins, cold air treatment for 3 mins and a back and shoulder massage for 20 mins. Focused light treatment was applied on two occasions. I saw the doctor 3 times at UPA and the nurse was available throughout if needed. Wounds were attended to with a new dressing applied. My wife was able to swim each day in the swimming pool and have walked in the surrounding vicinity. There was a lake nearby. The whole experience at the Clinic and at UPA was reassuring because it was such a caring high-quality environment. Lastly getting to Lithuania from the UK I give some further pointers. If the passport is less than 6 months it is deemed to be soon out of date so you can't travel. A new number is given for each UK passport. The new number is needed to print out boarding passes. Getting a GHIC global health insurance card s advised. Further health insurance could be needed if there is a medical complication not necessarily related to the operation. SAGA provides this if you are aged 77 plus. Paying for the op you need to be sure you have sufficient credit limit if using a Credit card. That's about it. In short well worth getting a hip operation done in Lithuania.

I went for my consultation with Dr Panayi and straight away I felt at ease he was very professional and understanding. He sent me for an X-ray the same day and saw me again after my X-ray. I was given excellent information and advised what was best for me in the long term. I am now waiting to go into hospital in one week.