A Conservative councillor has shared his experience of having a hip replacement three years after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis. 

Larkswood ward councillor John Moss benefitted from both public and private healthcare and is calling on the public not to put off treatment as the sooner you face it, the sooner you get your life back on track.  

Here is his first-hand account from diagnosis to his road to recovery. 

"I was surprised, to say the least, when I went to my GP with aching legs in February 2010 and was told it was probably osteoarthritis in my hip. 

"I was only 47, very active and pretty fit, but a trip to the NHS’s partner Alliance Medical x-ray unit at Chase Farm Hospital confirmed the diagnosis.

"I’d had an injury skiing about eight years’ previously and the orthopaedic consultant thought this was the trigger, but it wasn’t so bad and they recommended delaying surgery. 

"However, after delivering lots of leaflets and knocking on lots of doors throughout three election campaigns, things deteriorated to the point where I needed a pole to walk any significant distance.

"Given my age, I was referred to University College Hospital to see Johan Witt - a specialist in hip and pelvic surgery and one of London’s top surgeons.

"A full replacement was carried out in March 2013 and the difference was amazing. 

"Within a week I was mostly off crutches and within two months I was back on the golf course. 

"I did have a minor problem with bursitis, an inflammation in the tissue at the side of the hip and was referred back to Alliance for a simple procedure which cured the problem.

"I’m glad I didn’t put this off and I was really impressed with the seamless way the NHS and its private sector partners dealt with me. 

"I’d say to anybody worried about having a hip replacement, don’t. 

"Get it done and get your life back. 

"I’m fitter and healthier now than I have been for the last ten years because I can do more exercise and enjoy life so much more – pain free!"

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

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