Client Testimonial – Left & Right Total Knee Replacement
Nina, Gibraltar
‘My knee replacements have given me a new lease of life, restoring not only my mobility, but my mental health too. I’m very independent, and now I once again look forward to going out. I was completely trusting of Dr. Thomas Boerger, as his knowledge, expertise really instilled confidence in me’ explains Nina, a client who had a right Total Knee Replacement in August 2023 and a left Total Knee Replacement in April 2024.
‘Before having my knee replacements, I could feel my life was getting smaller’ says Nina, who is presently recuperating following her left knee replacement. She continues, ‘the joint pain before replacement means you stay indoors, you just don’t want to go out.
Now, with my new knee, my mood has lifted, I feel better, and I am enjoying life again. Having the surgery was as much about my mental health as it was my physical health.
I was completely trusting of Dr. Thomas Boerger. When you meet him its clear from the way he so intelligently interprets the x-rays, analysed my knee’s mobility etc, that he has so much experience. It gave me a lot of confidence.
Knee Replacement
This recent knee replacement is my second surgical procedure with Dr. Thomas Boerger, following my right knee replacement last year.
The pain in my second knee forced me to seek medical advice.
I remember I had gone to New York City with my son, and I was having to use crutches! It was just so tiring to get around and I realised it was getting too much, it was ridiculous. I had to do something.
My doctor suspected it was a torn meniscus, yet when I went to see Dr Thomas Boerger, he was able to arrange x-rays. They showed that things with my knee were a lot worse than first thought and continuing to deteriorate.
The second consultation confirmed my knee was beyond a partial replacement and needed a total replacement. I was given a surgery date about a month away.
From this point on I was committed to move forward. I gave up smoking in preparation for the op. I was ready to be rid of the pain, and the depression it was causing.
I am naturally a very curious person, so I wanted to be really informed about all aspects of the operation and Dr. Thomas Boerger is so supportive of that, as he explains everything clearly and in great detail.
I was never made to feel by him or any of his team that I was asking too many questions. I asked about the operation, recovery expectations, and aftercare.
So, when my operation date arrived, I went into theatre with confidence, mentally prepared. I wasn’t apprehensive at all.
Procedure and Recovery
I had an epidural and was sedated, so on this occasion I didn’t really recall anything from the procedure.
Recovery was good. I was in HC Hospital for about 5 nights and had regular physiotherapy with the specialist, Gabriel who was excellent. He was patient and caring, teaching me how to walk up and down stairs and further regain my mobility.
Tanya, Dr Boerger’s chief nurse was so helpful too, not only explaining everything throughout the process, but checking in on me at the hospital and chatting with me. Louise, chief patient care coordinator also checked in with me – so I felt well cared for.
The nursing team at HC Marbella are polite and friendly – whenever I needed something, they were there. Their English is limited, so we didn’t have chatty conversations, but they were always responsive and made sure I had everything I needed, like painkillers.
I am presently 5 weeks into recovery, so I don’t use crutches in the house any more, but I take them with me if I go out. I am walking well already, and I continue with physio and knee exercises to help fully straighten my leg. My motivation to regain full mobility is a forthcoming trip to the UK to see friends and family and share time with them, on long dog walks in the countryside.
New Lease of Life
My advice to others needing a knee replacement is to just do it! Don’t delay. Your quality-of-life changes so quickly. After the op, don’t be afraid to get out of bed and on your feet straight away. There is a physiotherapist on hand, and once you are with the crutches your confidence returns bit by bit.
Since the procedure, my mindset has changed completely. I once again look forward to going out. Even the simple things like taking the bus, doing some shopping, getting some fresh air are enjoyable again. Having the knee replacement has made so much of a difference.
This really has given me a new lease of life.