Patient Testimonial: Jean Leslie, Sotogrande
Procedure: Oxford Partial Knee Replacement
‘Mr Thomas Boerger is, in my view, an exceptional orthopaedic surgeon. I felt I was in expert hands and, although naturally nervous, I was confident about going ahead with the partial knee replacement.
About a month on, I’m moving far more freely, and you can barely see a mark on my knee, from the incision
His team, including Patient Care Coordinator Louise Truelove, and the physio who coaxed me along, were kind, attentive and clearly devoted to their patients.’
Before surgery
Life had become very difficult. I’d tried all the sensible steps first, painkillers and then two cortisone injection. Although the injections lasted for a while, they were still short-term solutions. When I met Dr Boerger at Specialist Medical Clinic in Gibraltar a little over a year ago, he explained that a third injection wasn’t the answer and that an Oxford partial knee replacement would give me a lasting solution. That’s when I decided it was time to have the operation he was suggesting.
Meeting Dr Boerger
The consultation was thorough and professional. He took time to explain everything clearly (even chatting in German to my partner, who is Swiss, so she had an in-depth understanding too). I felt I was in expert hands and, although naturally nervous, I was confident about going ahead under the guidance of Dr Boerger.
The procedure at HC Marbella
I had my surgery at HC Marbella. There was an unexpected delay in theatre while we waited for a specific implant component to arrive, one of those unforeseen logistics hiccups and no fault of the surgeon, but it was a little trying.
After the procedure I was in a lot of pain, but it was well managed. Mr Thomas Boerger told me I wouldn’t be discharged until I could walk, which gave me the push I needed. With the encouragement of the physio team, I was up with crutches and even made it as far as the hospital café on day 4, so I was discharged after only a 4 night stay.
Aftercare & rehabilitation
Follow-up has been in Gibraltar with Mr Thomas Boerger. His advice for me was gentle daily movement rather than formal physiotherapy early on, and it worked. I understand other surgeons recommend physio, and interestingly a friend who had such a programme with another surgeon is not yet walking, whilst I have been making steady progress over the past month, without overdoing it. Mr Thomas Boerger’s team, including Patient Care Coordinator Louise Truelove, and the physio who coaxed me along, were kind, attentive and clearly devoted to their patients.
Life now
About a month on, I’m moving far more freely, and you can barely see a mark on my knee, from the incision. I’m focusing on shedding a few more kilos to help my long-term knee health, and I feel optimistic and mobile again. Most importantly, I’m delighted with the result.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely; 100%. Mr Thomas Boerger is, in my view, an exceptional orthopaedic surgeon, and my experience with the Oxford partial knee replacement has been overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, if cortisone injections are only giving short-term relief and day-to-day life is a struggle, don’t be afraid to explore this option with Mr Thomas Boerger.