Doug Squires
Doug, 62, managing director of an engineering company in Coventry, recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro after having his hip resurfaced three years previously.
"I had always been active and enjoyed mountain biking, trekking, private flying, motor cycling and classic cars. These activities were slowly getting more difficult due to lack of movement and pain, so much so that I seriously considered giving the more energetic ones up.
"In September 2004, I finally gave in and visited a sports therapist who quickly diagnosed, to my surprise, that I had an arthritic hip. This led to confirmation by X-rays and my consultant, Mr Prakash, arranged for the resurfacing operation to be carried out in February 2005 at the Warwickshire Nuffield Hospital, Leamington Spa.
"Discomfort prior to the operation was particularly noticeable when walking, bending down (for instance to put on a sock) and even simply getting into bed. I was rarely without discomfort and welcomed 16 February when hopefully everything would be put right.
"Recovery and return to an active life was quick, being able to cycle again after three months with no after-effects. Whilst my post-operative recovery was good, I know I would have benefited even more, had I done more of the prescribed exercises! However, I was walking unaided within three weeks, climbing stairs unaided after four weeks and driving an automatic within two weeks.
"My return to an active life has exceeded all expectations. 2005 saw me skydiving from 12,000 ft in New Zealand. In September of the same year I cycled 800 km in the mountains of north Vietnam - climbing cumulatively around some 36,000ft over the eight-day ride. This venture raised £7,000 for the Coventry and Warwickshire Breast Screening Unit. None of this would have been possible without my resurfaced hip - before the operation, I had great difficulty even mounting a bicycle!
"2006 was a busy year too, climbing Mount Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Mount Kilimanjaro (19,500 ft).
"Having had my hip resurfaced has meant that I can now look forward to an active and fulfilling retirement over the next few years; a retirement that otherwise would have meant putting on weight and a gradual decline both physically and mentally with inactivity, pain and frustration. This operation comes highly recommended for an active and fulfilling life for sufferers of arthritic hips.
"I would like to convey my thanks to the staff and technicians at Corin, for a first class product – thank you."
