Testimonial from Joyce
‘I cannot recommend Dr. Thomas Borger enough!’ confirms Joyce, a recent client who at 77
years of age, had a successful Total Hip Replacement.
After suffering debilitating pain in her right hip, that not only reduced her mobility but also
prevented her from driving, Joyce sought the advice of an orthopaedic surgeon.
Yet it wasn´t until she met Dr. Thomas Boerger that she felt confident to proceed with surgery.
Joyce explains, ‘I had total confidence in Dr. Boerger. He treated me like an individual when I
was with him. The consultation never felt rushed. He took the time to explain everything, and to
answer my questions’.
Here is Joyce’s story, from the constraints of an arthritic hip, to regaining the freedom of pain-free
mobility thanks to a successful Total Hip Replacement by Dr. Thomas Boerger.
Background
‘My hip had been bothering me for quite a while. I knew I had a problem, but I felt I could leave it.
Yet last autumn things got a lot worse, and by November the pain was really bad’ confirms
Joyce.
‘I made an appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant. I needed an expert opinion. But after
the consultation I didn´t feel confident. I felt the approach was ‘one size fits all’. I knew I needed
to look for a second opinion’.
Consultation with Dr. Thomas Boerger
‘So that’s when I found Dr. Thomas Boerger, based at HC Marbella International Hospital. My
consultation was in mid-December, and the experience was completely different.
Firstly, Dr. Boerger was calm and easy to talk to. I’d describe him as a lovely gentleman. He not
only explained everything so well, but he also arranged the x-rays at the same time.
By taking the X-rays there and then, it saved me a second trip. On his PC, Dr. Boerger was able
to precisely template and plan my new hip joint, and this made me realise his approach was
much more personalised.
I also didn’t feel rushed into making a decision. However, once I did decide to go ahead, I had a
second consultation, so Dr Boerger could make all the necessary measurements to make sure
the hip replacement was perfectly aligned.
Mr. Boerger always sent a detailed report after each consultation which was immensely helpful. I
really felt Dr. Boerger was making a lot of preparation for my procedure which made me feel
confident.
I was then able to enjoy Christmas with the surgery scheduled for mid-February.
My hip had become very painful. I could no longer even drive my automatic car; I didn’t feel safe
or confident. I had really lost my independence. I only got relief if I was lying down, immobile. So,
the hip replacement was essential’.
The Procedure
‘Louise Truelove, the medical PA to Dr. Thomas Boerger was friendly, efficient and professional.
She made all the arrangements for my procedure at the private, HC Marbella International
Hospital.
From the minute I arrived at the hospital, everybody was absolutely brilliant. Tanya Keble, Dr.
Boerger’s nurse, guided me through all the pre-procedure assessments and tests. She also
came to my room two days after surgery to check on me which I really appreciated.
The hip replacement was done with epidural and sedation – no general anaesthetic. So that
helped speed recovery. Dr. Thomas Boerger also told me he was using the latest proven
techniques. Also, in my case there was no need to use cement to fix the joint in place.
The first night after surgery I was in HDU as a normal precautionary measure. Then I was moved
to my private room at HC Marbella to recuperate after the surgery. Dr. Boerger encourages his
patients to become mobile right after surgery so the next day the HC Marbella physiotherapist,
Eva, helped me out of bed and got me on my feet.
HC Marbella is a lovely place to stay. There are gardens, the team are great, and even the
kitchen adapted the meals to respect that I am a Vegan’.
Post-Procedure
‘I found the secret to a good recovery was to keep mobile. Once I was at home my private
physiotherapist Hugo Chinchilla, whom I had previously chosen, visited my home.
Then, unfortunately, my recovery was complicated by the arrival of COVID and the national
lockdown at the beginning of 2020, so I had to exercise at home alone, walking around the house
and the communal gardens.
Aftercare
I had a follow-up consultation at two weeks with Dr Boerger. I was taking mild pain killers for
about a month. The pain was manageable, and I was able to stand and walk from the beginning.
At 6 weeks I had another follow-up consultation with Dr. Boerger. Due to COVID this had to be
conducted over the phone.
At the 6 month aftercare check-up we were able to meet in person. Dr. Boerger showed me the
x-ray images of my new hip and pointed out the correct position and leg length. My husband
came with me too, and the Doctor was happy to answer all the questions we both had – the
meeting didn’t feel rushed’.
Results
‘The Total Hip Replacement had a huge impact on my life! The hip now feels absolutely fine. I
wouldn’t know I had surgery. The pain has gone. I have my mobility and independence back.
Although it was uncomfortable at first, I am happy I kept up with the exercises, getting up and
moving every half hour, and walking.
Now my hip is completely pain-free. All that reminds me of the surgery is a fine, horizontal scar
on my hip. I am so happy I went ahead with surgery!’