Following a speedy and successful recovery from two hip replacement surgeries with Mr Alazzawi, Hilary, from Newlyn, is now looking forward to a summer of coastal walks and activities with her grandchildren.

Here, she talks about her hip surgeries that have given this ‘Cornish girl’ a new lease of life.

Hip arthritis leading up to her surgeries

Hilary, now aged 74, did not have any trouble with her hips until her 70’s. She’d had different health conditions, requiring steroid medication that she believes must have led up to the deterioration of her hip bones.

“As a child I had eczema, and then in my 30s I had alopecia. My hair never grew back. I was on steroids for many years and I believe this is what led to my bone loss. Nobody in my family had osteoarthritis – it flared up very quickly.”

Hilary’s GP organised X-rays which indicated that both her hips were affected.

“It mystified me. I’m used to being ‘on the go’ and it just suddenly crept up on me.”

In September 2022, Hilary’s first total hip replacement for her left side was planned with Mr Alazzawi.

“From the minute he did the surgeries, I was pain free”

Hilary was very pleased with the care and attention that she received from Mr Alazzawi and his team at The Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital.

“It was just wonderful! I said to him, ‘you must have sprinkled fairy dust on my legs’ because I came out of the theatre pain free!”

Hilary was so happy with her recovery after the first operation that she wrote a poem for Mr Alazzawi (extract below):

<<“Shhhh” Don’t tell anyone. I’m sorry I made such a fuss, you have made it so good I can even use the bus.

We have now reached week no 6 and I find out if my hip has made a good fix?

Thank you Mr Alazzawi, my hip is now as good as new, Oh so much better than I knew. And if you would be so kind, would you mend my other hip next time?>>

Although Hilary had a successful recovery from her first operation, this drew attention to the discomfort and deterioration of her other hip that she could barely walk on. She received a total hip replacement on her right side in February 2024.

“My husband’s had two hips done, and he’s amazed”

Hilary completed regular physio sessions, and carried out leg exercises at home. Refusing to use crutches, Hilary managed to keep moving with her ‘ordinary walking stick’.

“I wouldn’t have even known it had been done if I hadn’t had the scar. I was just up and walking.

“Now, I can go up and down stairs. I just have to be careful now that I don’t twist it or do anything silly as it’s still early days yet.

“My husband’s had two hips done, and he’s amazed at the way I’ve been. I’m very, very lucky!”

Now, with her recovery going well, Hilary is looking forward to the summer, when she’ll be able to spend more time with her family, enjoying coastal walks and even taking a dip in the sea!

“I think for my age I’m quite active. I do quite a bit of walking and we’ve got grandchildren, some young, so we’re used to being with them. And in the summer, because I’m a Cornish girl, I’ll go into the sea!”