Latest news with #kneeReplacement
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘NHS says I'm too big for surgery — now I'm spending my pension on weight-loss jabs'
With every step she takes, 72-year-old Sue Smith is in agony. The retired NHS clinician has been on the waiting list for a knee replacement for four years and walks, she says, as though her leg is broken. Despite her daily battle with pain, Ms Smith has been repeatedly denied surgery — because she is obese. But she has also been given no help by the NHS to lose weight, as waiting lists for such programmes soar. She is now forking out hundreds of pounds per month to pay for a weight-loss injection so she can have the operation she so desperately needs. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Smith — who has physically deteriorated so dramatically that she now uses a mobility scooter — said: 'I'm not lazy. I want my life back, but I'm stuck in a vicious cycle of trying to lose weight for this operation. I'm 72 years old now and am desperate for a knee replacement. 'What will they do — wait until I can't walk at all? Or I fall over and break my leg?' The Independent revealed last week that obese patients are being taken off waiting lists for life-changing hip and knee replacement surgery and being refused referrals as the NHS cuts costs. National guidelines make clear that weight should not be used to restrict patients' access to joint replacement surgery. But research has revealed more than a third of NHS areas are blocking patient access based on their body mass index (BMI). Ms Smith, who suffers from osteoarthritis, said she was told before the Covid outbreak that she needed an operation. At that time, she was fitter and slimmer and may have been eligible for the procedure, but was instead treated with steroids and physiotherapy. During the coronavirus lockdowns, the former NHS speech and language therapist struggled to maintain an active lifestyle. She was referred again for the operation in 2020 but was turned down — because her BMI was 43 — and told to lose weight. Her GP attempted to refer her for the operation three more times, but she was rejected on each occasion because of her size. Years later, with a BMI of 42, she remains above the threshold which Maidstone and Tonbridge Wells hospital set for her to be allowed an operation, she told The Independent. She said: 'The only way forward for me is to get down to this fantasy weight. I just want a knee replacement so I can exercise normally.' But Ms Smith is yet to receive any specialist weight management support from the NHS. She was finally referred for support services in January 2025 — more than four years after she was first told she could not have her operation due to weight — but was told the wait was at least 18 weeks. She is still waiting and has not heard when she will get an appointment. The Independent revealed that, in some areas, patients are waiting years for access to NHS weight loss management services. Desperate to get her operation, Ms Smith sought to get weight-loss jabs through the NHS. But, in another blow, she was told by her GP that they could not prescribe it. Under current rules, which are tightly controlling the use of such jabs, only specialist weight-loss management services can prescribe these drugs. Ms Smith has paid around £1,000 since February to have the weight loss jab Mounjaro privately, which she said has helped her to lose 18 pounds. She said: 'I get a pension from the NHS, it's about £200 a month, so really, I'm using that for this injection. I really want to have my knees done so I can move forward. I've had to buy a mobility scooter, which I don't use every day, but I have to sometimes. I don't want to be in it; I never wanted to have one. I only use it when I have to, which is once a week... It's awful, I just feel like a lesser being.' Ms Smith said that, following a recent X-ray, her GP told her knees are 'worn out.' Initially, Ms Smith said she only needed one knee replacement, however, the wait has led to her now needing surgery on both. A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: 'We understand how upsetting it can be for anyone living with ongoing pain, and our teams are committed to ensuring patients receive the best possible care. While we can't comment on individual cases, referrals for surgery are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a range of clinical factors are reviewed. 'These include, but are not limited to BMI, and enable our clinicians to ensure the surgery is safe and appropriate.'
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Can Hong Kong convince private hospitals to be clear and upfront with fees?
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common operations performed in Hong Kong, with a long waiting time at public hospitals that drives many to pay more for private treatment. Advertisement But a patient hoping to compare prices at the city's 14 private hospitals will find it hard to get a clear idea of how much the procedure may cost. Only half the hospitals provide information online for knee replacement surgery packages, with prices ranging from HK$88,000 (US$11,200) to about HK$330,000 for one knee. One made clear that doctors' fees were not included, meaning the final bill could be considerably higher. The Post called six other private hospitals, posing as a patient's family member, but could not get a clear indication of what they charged. Advertisement Staff at four hospitals said the patient would need a medical consultation first. The other two gave only rough estimates of between HK$180,000 and HK$300,000. 'We do not provide such pricing information. You have to ask your doctor,' a staff member at one hospital said. 'Each doctor charges differently.'
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE A cheap miracle therapy helped me walk again and ended my agony... ordinary Americans need access to it NOW
My mother was just days away from needing knee replacement surgery before a miracle therapy saved her ability to walk pain-free. Jennifer, now 68 years old, hadn't walked without pain in years. Having worked for 27 years with both the NYPD and federal government, the wear and tear of being a first responder left her with rapidly deteriorating cartilage in retirement.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Warrington woman's life turned around thanks to robotic knee replacement
A WARRINGTON woman's life has been turned around thanks to robotic knee replacement surgery. Amanda Burns, 56, suffered from severe osteoarthritis pain in both knees. This was significantly impacting her life and her mobility had become so reduced that she had no option but to seek advice. Amanda said: 'Even everyday activities became difficult. "I struggled to drive any distance and found it challenging to do much beyond managing my full-time office-based job. 'The constant discomfort and limitation on movement affected not just my physical wellbeing, but also my overall lifestyle and independence.' Desperate to find relief and a chance to reclaim her independence, Amanda sought out a specialist who could offer a solution to her ongoing pain. She chose Spire Cheshire Hospital's Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Gareth Stables, who advised she would need a total knee replacement. After discussing all options with Mr Stables, Amanda had decided on the ROSA robotic knee replacement procedure. She said: 'It mattered that I could fully trust the surgeon performing such a major procedure. 'Mr Stables explained the potential benefits, including enhanced precision and alignment through the technology working alongside the surgeon, as well as the possibility of smaller incisions. "These advantages made the robotic approach feel like the right decision for me.' In February, 2025 Amanda was admitted for four days in the inpatient ward and underwent a total knee replacement procedure. She praised the 'professional, reassuring and kind' team there and said this level of care continued following surgery. 'The nursing staff were brilliant in managing my pain medication and ensuring my overall wellbeing, always checking in and ready to help with anything I needed," Amanda said. "The kind ladies who cleaned my room and brought me cups of tea were always friendly and took the time for a welcome chat, which really helped keep spirits high. 'The physiotherapist was also incredibly supportive in helping me to mobilise and build confidence step by step. "A mention also must go to the aftercare physio Matthew Gouldthorpe, who was pivotal in my progression. "A special mention goes to the lovely pharmacist, Danielle, who was so organised and kind while guiding me through the pain management plan for when I went home. "And I can't leave out the amazing catering team—the food was of exceptional quality, with a fantastic range of choices. "Overall, the entire team showed so much care, professionalism, and positivity — it made such a difference to my recovery experience and I'm incredibly grateful to them all.' Following the surgery, an 'incredible' difference has been made to Amanda's daily life. 'I'm currently eight weeks post-operation, and one of the biggest changes is that I'm sleeping really well now— something that had been difficult before," Amanda explained. "Interestingly, I'm now experiencing more discomfort from my other knee, which still has osteoarthritis, compared to the operated one, especially during the night. It really highlights just how successful the surgery has been.' When asked about the difference the surgery has made, Amanda said: 'The most significant benefit so far is that the awful osteoarthritis pain that I lived with for so long is now completely gone in the operated knee. It's incredible to feel that difference, especially when I compare it to the ongoing pain in my other knee. 'My knee feels stronger than before, and the wound has healed really well. 'The progress has given me the confidence to start looking ahead again — I've even planned a holiday later in the summer. "My family have commented that I seem more like my old self, which means a lot. "My experience has given me the confidence in having my other knee replaced. Once I've had this done, I'm really looking forward to putting the pain and mobility limitations behind me and getting back to enjoying life without those constant restrictions."
CBC
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Key to faster knee and hip replacements is a central waitlist, study says
New research from Ontario suggests knee and hip replacements could be performed much faster by implementing a central waitlist where patients can see doctors in their area, without the need for additional resources.
