Keeping fit was always of the highest importance to Tim who’d never even set foot in a hospital. Being told that he’d need a total hip replacement came as a big shock.
Here we discover how Tim is managing his recovery after total hip replacement surgery with Mr Alazzawi, and how he’s setting himself goals to keep doing what he enjoys most of all, getting outdoors.
Tim’s hip diagnosis
Tim, now aged 68, retired early from a high-flying career in the mobile communications industry. It was only when lifting his left foot to get into a new rental car in South Africa, that he felt a twinge in his left hip. In November 2019, a scan at his GP revealed osteoarthritis.
Tim stayed active during the pandemic to manage his condition. He embarked on an ambitious 90-day online Pilates class and did regular ten mile walks in nearby Richmond Park.
“During that period, I felt hyper fit and I also felt hyper subtle and everything in my hip seemed to disappear and become good.”
But in 2022, some worrisome clicks in his hip prompted a visit to his GP. He managed his condition with anti-inflammatory medication, but on one of his photography trips to South Africa, he noticed that, unusually, he was having difficulty sleeping. After a visit to Dr Alazzawi in February 2023, Tim learnt that he would need a total hip replacement.
“It’s like being hit over the head with a truncheon, the ‘total’, not just partial or ‘a bit’. And I’ve never been in a hospital in my life, so this was all going to be a new experience for me.”
Tim made a determined effort to stay active over the summer before his surgery in November, for the best chance of a successful recovery.
Tim’s recovery
After his surgery, Tim was discharged to The Clavadel in Guildford, a post-operative rehabilitation centre, where he spent eleven nights. There he received two daily physio sessions, including daily hydrotherapy.
“They teach you how to walk again and they get you to do lots of little exercises. Everyone said that the speed of my recovery was huge.
“After about eight days I was getting told off for using one crutch!”
Tim continued with his exercises and was back driving his automatic car after four weeks. Mr Alazzawi was pleased with Tim’s recovery when he attended his six-week check-up.
By setting himself objectives, Tim was walking a little bit further each day, using walks in his local parks to regain his strength and improve his mobility.
Seizing the opportunity
Five months after the operation, with things still improving and his walking distances increasing, Tim set himself a goal of a 20 mile walk in the Peak District. Determined to overcome obstacles and work on his balance, he even refused to take his walking poles.
“It was wet and slippery. I was going across stepping stones, across rivers and stuff like that. I was slower, more conscious than I would have been in the past. But I just went and did it. I felt quite good about it, it was just a milestone done!”
Reflecting on his experience, Tim believes that his accomplishments are partly down to the skill of his surgeon. But also, his positive mindset.
“However skilful the surgeon is, and however well they set you up, unless you seize that opportunity, you’re not going to get the full potential.”
Next on Tim’s agenda is a photography trip to the South of France!
“I’m taking a tripod with me and I’ll be doing 10 miles a day down there. I might even do a bit of hill work in Mont Ventoux!”
