At the beginning of July our wonderful physiotherapist, Jackie Snape, will be taking a short leave of absence as she undergoes knee replacement surgery. Her dedication to her patients and her profession has always been an inspiration – now it’s her turn to focus on her own healing and recovery!
Jackie will be sharing updates on her progress on our website blog, so feel free to check in and follow along with her journey back to health.
It’s now one week post new articulation (14th July 2025).
What a thing when you really think about it. What an absolute journey in the hands of others. And how lucky have I been? From the moment of entering the Reception at the hospital doors to the help into the car for the journey home, I felt looked after. I felt individualised. Every single person introduced themselves by their name and their role. Accountable and proud of their own part in a well oiled machine.
Where? You might ask. Springfield – A Ramsay Hospital in Chelmsford. Private? No, a I was a Private Hospital NHS patient. Part of the ‘Choose and Book’ system.
I will admit to a little anxiety. Arriving to theatre and undergoing spinal and femoral nerve block. Plus sedation. Not my favourite experience but expertly carried out and before I knew I was away and in another place. I did hear the surgeon say “Are we ready to go?” Someone said “Yes”. There was a vague awareness of coming in the room and going back out again. A sense of altering consciousness. Never pain. And then the nurses waking me up and asking me to take deep breaths. There followed a cycle of falling asleep and being woken up! I could not stay awake.
Back to the ward, tidied up, made comfortable, cuff around the left foot and the right calf – intermittently inflating to aid the prevention of venous blood clots. Ravenously hungry 🙄😂🫣! (Nothing puts me off food). A delicious dinner arrived. Very welcome too. Since being home Jim has provided regular and nice food but we have an added advantage that my Sister-in-law is a super cook and has delivered some very tasty meals. (I am such a foodie 🙄).
I stood up that same day. Full weight-bearing is allowed and encouraged. I had no nausea and my observations – blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature – were good.
The next two nights and days continued with a pattern of care that could not be faulted. I had a visit from the Consultant, the ward Doctor, The Pharmacist, different Nurses and Physios, a visit to x-ray, blood tests, tweaking of medication, encouragement to exercise in a paced and achievable plan. My room was kept spotlessly clean and I was nourished exceedingly well.
I was nearing a point of refusing to go home. Poor Jim – he had a hard act to follow.
I came home Wednesday afternoon. All is good. I’m being really well looked after. We have good family and good friends and neighbours around us. I am adhering to the exercise plan (because it works), I’m icing, I’m wearing the stockings, I’m a little away with the fairies with the Codeine. I have these conversations with myself, making myself laugh because I will tell myself, “you’re talking to yourself!”. This happens at night. No distractions. (And I am being very prudent with the dosage).
I have a Physio appointment on Friday – ( It’s a class setting and I need to be the A* ‘student’) and staple removal the Monday after.
How lucky am I? Seriously. I feel blessed.
Thank you to all involved and to everyone who has sent their kind wishes.
I’ll be back in touch.
With very best regards
Jackie