Marcia Machin
Macia, a junior school teacher, is an active 63 year old who looks forward to total activity before getting grandchildren!
"I spent my working life as a junior school teacher. Nowadays, as well as helping out in our local school and having a few pupils coming to me for private tuition, I enjoy art, cycling, swimming and gardening. We have a dog, but with my various joints suffering from arthritis, my husband has to do most of the dog walking, although I would like to be able to join him more.
"Before my surgery I was in good health, apart from the arthritic ankle and knees. My ankle had been injured about 40 years ago, and had been showing signs of deterioration for the past seven to eight years.
"I was in hospital for three days, leaving with my ankle in plaster and a walking frame, though I was offered crutches which I declined. With the help of a raiser seat, I was able to take a bath/shower before I left hospital. Fortunately I got a self-propelled wheelchair to leave hospital with, which was simply brilliant to feel that sense of independence as I drove out into the sunshine!
"Three weeks after the operation, the plaster was removed and an airboot fitted, which I could remove at night. I kept this until the eighth week, by which time I was happily using a couple of hiking sticks instead of the walking frame – so much more sporty! I could now drive the car, stand on my toes, walk on the beach and get back to the swimming pool - and by week 12 was back on my bike.
"I am so glad that I didn’t agree to a fusion, but held out to receive my Zenith ankle replacement. By six months I was gardening and back to helping out in school, coping very well with the family shopping (which I certainly couldn’t do before without the aid of a buggy provided by our local supermarket). In fact, if it wasn’t for my need for a new knee, I know I would be out there taking the dog for long walks with my husband….maybe by Christmas!
"Before the operation, I did try ten weeks of acupuncture which didn’t really help and religiously took my glucosomine and chondroitin. I also had some private pilates lessons and massage which was good for a while. But immediately before the operation, for four days, I took Arnica tablets and high dosage vitamin C tablets. Oh, and concentrate vitamin E along the scar (which is almost non-existent now) as soon as the plaster was off. I always use arnica oil daily on any arthritic joints which I find invaluable in keeping the stiffness/pain at bay, though I don’t need it on my new ankle at all now.
"I cannot recommend my ankle replacement highly enough. I am so grateful to my surgeon Mr Ian Winson."
