After years of living with hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, Chris, 59, from near Truro in Cornwall, decided it was time to act before retiring.

Why choose private hip replacement surgery?

“I was told at 29 that I had osteoarthritis – wear and tear from all the sport I played,” Chris explains. “When voluntary redundancy came up at work, I thought, now’s the time to use my private medical insurance while I still had it.”

How to find the right private hospital and consultant?

Initially referred to a private hospital in Cornwall, Chris left his consultation feeling unconvinced.

“It lasted about 90 seconds and I just didn’t feel confident,” he recalls.

Knowing someone at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham , Chris reached out for advice. “She said they took private insurance, so I asked AXA for a referral. It was approved the same day.”

Although Practice Plus Group also has a hospital in Plymouth, Chris chose Birmingham after hearing excellent feedback about consultant Mr Dehne , who specialises in hip replacements. “My friend said he was excellent and would be a good choice for me, so I was happy to travel. I’d also heard that Dr Hilary Jones had his surgery there too, so I knew it was a good choice!”

What was the pre-operative process like?

Because Chris was travelling from Cornwall, the hospital arranged all his pre-op tests in one visit.

“That really helped. Everything was organised perfectly. They even spotted that my blood pressure was very high, contacted my GP straight away, and I was on medication the next day. It probably prevented a bigger problem.”

What happens during private hip replacement surgery?

Chris had his surgery under spinal anaesthetic.

“It was a strange experience being awake, hearing the sounds of the operation, but the team were brilliant. I felt totally at ease. Afterwards, the nurses were great – apart from a bit of sickness from one of the pain meds, it all went smoothly.”

He was up on crutches almost immediately. “I even suggested getting the train home the next day! The staff looked horrified,” he laughs. “They advised me to get a lift instead, and they were right.”

How long does recovery take after hip replacement?

Recovery exceeded Chris’s expectations.

“I think it’s all about mindset. My consultant said early movement really helps, so I followed the physio plan, kept active, and within three days I was walking to the shops without crutches. Within three weeks I was back playing golf – although I did use a buggy. People couldn’t believe how quickly I recovered.”

Was private hip surgery worth it?

Chris says the experience “far exceeded” his expectations.

“Everything was smooth, well-organised, and stress-free. Practice Plus Group made the process effortless – from using my private insurance to the care I received throughout. I’ve already recommended them to friends. And it’s great that the same high-quality treatment is available on the NHS if you ask your GP for a referral through patient choice.”

Life after hip replacement

Now pain-free and active, Chris is embracing retirement to the fullest.

“I’m looking forward to what’s next. I might even take up surfing – why not? I’m just glad I had my hip done when I did.”

Disclaimer

This patient story is shared for informational purposes only. It reflects one individual’s experience and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for your own circumstances.

Thank you to Chris and the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham for sharing this story.