Hip Replacement Worldwide

I visited the Vita Clinic to have a colonoscopy in early July 2023. My father had a colon cancer at 63 so I had to take this examination quickly to make sure everything is ok. I chose this clinic in Sofia because of its good reputation given by local people. Upon my arrival, I was very well received by the medical staff. Then I could quickly take the different pre-coloscopy tests (blood test, X-ray pictures,...) without queueing during hours. I noticed that the communication between the differents medical units are very good because each unit knew my name upon my arrival at the unit and the reason of the test. The premises are clean. So I felt quickly in confident in this clinic. I recommend it. It is very professionnal.

I’d like to share an experience that I’ve just gone through. I am a relatively fit and active 50+ year old male, still in full time employment. In Dec 21 I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both hips, I was in bad pain and really starting to struggle with work; drugs (the legal sorts!!), along with acupuncture (give it a try), helped to a degree. I saw my GP, they sent for a consultation with the local NHS Scotland orthopaedic surgeon and it was agreed I needed both hips replaced, on the NHS that would mean a wait of at least 2 yrs for the first op, then a further 3 months for the 2nd, so it would be 30 months before I’d be near to fully fit- far longer than I was willing to wait, and in that time I would have had to give up work and go on benefits. I couldn’t afford to be out of work that long, and on top of that I wanted my life back. I spent a few weeks researching various private options, both within the UK and abroad. I could go private in the UK within 3-5 weeks, no problem, but at a cost starting around £13500+ extras (initial consultation, X-rays, post op rehab). The price quoted was solely for the surgery on the day, plus a couple of nights post op in hospital, so realistically I’d be looking at a figure close to £15k per hip, possibly more. Looking abroad there was one clinic that stood out miles over and above the rest in reputation and positive reviews. In fact it all seemed FAR to good to be true, so I became very sceptical and dismissive, at least until I researched it in far greater detail, and found 2 people who were friends of friends on Facebook, one of which very recently (June 2022) had surgery there. He couldn’t praise the place enough, along with 1000’s of others on the clinic Facebook group, but again being sceptical I assumed all these “patients” were made up profiles, again until you research them and find they are ALL genuine. Anyway, I could go on, but the place is a clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania. If you are in need of joint replacement, check them out, I’ve now had my first hip done. I have, now, to wait 3 months for the 2nd, their fees are slightly higher than some other European options, but you get considerably more for your money. They don’t do a hard sell, if you contact them they are helpful, but NOT pushy in any way, they will give you all the info you need. They arrange everything, and I mean everything, from when you touch down in Lithuania, until you arrive back at the airport to fly home. From your first contact with their admin staff, to being picked up and transported around everywhere you need to go by their logistics team, their medical and rehabilitation teams, the whole organisation and experience is fantastic, second to none. I can’t fault any part of what they do for you. Every member of their team is knowledgeable, and professional and will do whatever they can to ensure you have the best experience! I can assure you, they do know what they’re doing, they are so far above anything that the UK NHS or UK private sector can offer you, they CARE about their patients!

I decided to go private to have my hip replaced as I was told it would be 1-2years on the NHS and I was in a lot of pain. I did a search on What Clinic and chose 3 options to get a quote one of which was Mr Lewis at Goring Hall. Most clinics quoted roughly the same price. I looked into Mr. Lewis’s history and his website and was impressed with his innovative approach also Goring Hall was quite close. I had an initial appointment with Mr. Lewis and came away with a very positive and upbeat feeling. I am 1 week in from having had my op and my hip is feeling good and I am walking around the house without any aids ( tomorrow I will try a walk outside). His personalised drug program has worked really well, have also had 3 follow-up phone calls to see how I am doing. I am 75 and am impressed with the progress.

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.