A Colchester woman who had to put hip replacement surgery on hold after a cancer diagnosis has spoken of her “amazing experience” after finally having her operation at the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre.
Kay White, 50, was told in her teens she would need two new hips – due to her hypermobility – but the procedures were paused when she was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.
Kay White
Now in her fourth year of remission, Kay recently had a total right hip replacement at the £64million centre in the Dame Clare Marx Building at Colchester Hospital.
Her experience was so positive that Kay – who is married to Nick and has a daughter, Kelly – is counting down the days until she can return for the same procedure on her left hip.
Kay was awake throughout her surgery and had a spinal block to numb the pain.
She said: “What an amazing experience I had, I am looking forward to going back in a few months to have the other hip done.
“The unit itself is spotless, very well staffed with some lovely nurses and physios. It’s like a lovely little community in there.
“The meals were some of the best I’ve had in hospital. It was an amazing stay, and I can’t recommend the unit and all who work there enough.
“I am so impressed with the hospital – the chemotherapy unit is amazing as well – and Colchester is lucky to have two such specialist units.
“My experience started in the anaesthetic room. Because of having chemotherapy, I warned the anaesthetist, Dr Carlo Gravina, that he would struggle to find my veins and, instead of struggling, he actually listened to me, used a special machine, took his time, and found one at the first attempt.
“There was a relaxed atmosphere, as was the procedure with Mr (Edward) Massa – it was a surreal and fantastic experience, being able to chat with him as he carried out the procedure listening to music.
“My biggest fear was being awake during the procedure, and I had a vision of lots of drills and saws going around my head, but that (part of the procedure) did not last long.”
Kay was diagnosed with hypermobility at the age of 19. In recent years she has had to walk with crutches and a frame as her hip and knee joints have got progressively worse.
Kay said: “The first time I met Mr Massa he told me he couldn’t believe I was still walking.
“My right hip is getting better, but I have no strength in my left one.”
The Dame Clare Marx Building is for people who need planned surgery on bones, joints and muscles. This dedication to elective care will result in fewer cancelled operations and shorter waiting times for patients who are in pain.
The centre is for surgery only. Patients will go to their closest hospital for hospital care, both before and after their operations.
Kay added: “To anyone who is on the list to have a procedure there, I am quite jealous of them. My advice would be to try not to worry. Someone can be there to accompany you right up until you have the operation and the nurses provide excellent before and aftercare.”
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