UPDATE: A remarkable story of recovery emerges as Susie Marks, a 59-year-old teacher from Abergavenny, has saved over £10,000 by traveling to Lithuania for robot-assisted knee surgery. After enduring nearly seven years of chronic pain following a devastating car crash in 2017, Marks is now reclaiming her life.
Marks experienced severe injuries, including six broken ribs and a damaged sternum, after the accident. Initially unaware of her knee injury, she was left with increasing pain that worsened over the years. “I couldn’t walk anywhere for very long without having to sit down and take painkillers,” she shared, highlighting the desperate conditions she faced.
Frustrated with the UK healthcare system, which deemed her “too young” for a knee replacement, Marks researched alternatives. She discovered Nordorthopaedics, a specialist hospital in Lithuania, where she found consistently positive reviews and decided to undergo surgery.
In November, Marks scheduled her operation for the summer, coinciding with her school holidays. Opting for a newly introduced robotic-assisted surgical system, she experienced impressive results. “There was hardly any swelling, very little bruising,” she said, astonished by the recovery.
Marks spent eight days in daily physiotherapy, part of a comprehensive aftercare package. “Before I left, my bend was about 120 degrees. Within nine days, that’s really good,” she noted, emphasizing the effectiveness of her treatment.
Her total expenditure, covering surgery, physiotherapy, accommodation, and transport, amounted to around £10,000. In contrast, she was quoted over £20,000 for a standard knee replacement in the UK without physiotherapy included.
Describing the experience as “life-changing,” Marks expressed gratitude for regaining her mobility. “Now there’s no pain at all, and it’s just getting better and better,” she remarked. She was also surprised by the number of other British patients receiving treatment alongside her in Lithuania.
“The care is incredible, and I trust them,” Marks stated, reflecting on her positive experience abroad. “I’m planning to return next year to have my other knee replaced.”
Marks believes the challenges faced by patients in the UK, particularly those of working age, underscore the urgent need for reform in healthcare prioritization. “It’s utterly sad that people in pain are not made a priority for treatment,” she lamented, calling attention to the pressures on the NHS.
Her journey underscores the potential for the UK healthcare system to learn from international models, particularly in providing structured and supportive post-operative care. “They pick you up from the airport, take you to physio every day, and there’s a nurse on call. I don’t think anything like that exists in the UK, but it should,” Marks concluded.
This story serves as a compelling reminder of the lengths patients may go to in search of effective healthcare solutions. Stay tuned for further updates on health care developments and patient experiences.
