Irene Swadling

Irene, 71, had a Uniglide unicompartmental knee replacement in November 2002 and enjoys gardening, walking, piano playing, painting and singing (classical choral and early church music).

Woman with wheelbarrow "My recovery from the operation was very rapid. I think the experience I gained after two back operations was a great help to get me on the road to a full recovery.

"I left hospital earlier than expected and managed stairs on returning home. I did not find the need for crutches and found myself walking without a stick to the bathroom almost as soon as I was home. I do not drive often as I tend to get cramp in my right leg since my second back operation, but I can do so if required. I was back to singing in concerts shortly after the operation.

"I returned to normal church attendance and some gardening activities very quickly, even kneeling to take communion at church six weeks after the operation. I have been able to do practically everything that I did before the operation but I do have to be careful how I use the knee when weeding or climbing stiles. I have since taken three long, mountain walking holidays. The last was in the Dolomites in September 2005.

"I can kneel through an entire church service. Sometimes the knee burns badly after a heavy day but I put a cold compress on it when resting and that does the trick. I always put my feet up rather than sitting when resting. Since my operation I have been receiving regular acupuncture treatment, more to help my general wellbeing rather than the knee in particular.

"The operation has enabled me to continue for a few more years doing the things I love most and I can’t thank you enough."