UPDATE: A Cardiff-born teacher has saved over £10,000 by opting for knee surgery in Lithuania, following a debilitating injury from a car crash in 2017. Susie Marks, 59, has shared her inspiring journey of regaining mobility after years of pain and struggle.
After suffering a severe knee injury during a major car accident that left her with six broken ribs and a damaged sternum, Marks faced years of escalating pain. “I was told to take painkillers and avoid bending it,” she recounted. As arthritis set in, her condition worsened, forcing her to rely on a walking stick and limiting her daily activities, including caring for her grandchildren and pet.
In her search for relief, Marks discovered Nordorthopaedics, a specialist hospital in Lithuania, through a patient support group that showcased consistently positive reviews. “The communication was brilliant,” she said, highlighting the support she received while making her decision.
In November, she scheduled her surgery for the summer holidays, aligning it with her teaching commitments. The hospital recently introduced robotic-assisted surgical technology, which she chose for her procedure. The results were astonishing. “There was hardly any swelling, very little bruising, nothing like what I expected,” she noted.
Marks underwent eight days of intensive physiotherapy as part of a comprehensive aftercare plan. “Before I left, my bend was about 120 degrees. Within nine days, that’s really good,” she explained. The total cost of her surgery, including physiotherapy and accommodations, was around £10,000, a stark contrast to the £20,000 quoted for a standard knee replacement in the UK without physiotherapy.
She expressed frustration at the barriers she faced in the NHS, stating, “I believe I couldn’t get on the NHS list because I’m ‘too young.’ They only want to give you one knee replacement in your lifetime.” Marks described her experience in Lithuania as “life-changing,” stating, “It’s given me my life back again.”
The emotional toll of her previous limitations is evident, as she expressed relief at being able to walk without pain. “Now there’s no pain at all, and it’s just getting better and better,” she said. Marks also noted that she encountered several other British patients during her recovery, creating a sense of community abroad.
Looking ahead, she plans to return to Lithuania next year for a procedure on her other knee. “It’s cheaper, the care is incredible, and I trust them,” she stated, emphasizing the high success rates she witnessed.
Marks underscored the pressures facing the NHS, lamenting that patients in pain, especially those of working age, are often deprioritized. “It’s utterly sad that people of working age who are in pain often look for alternatives, which are often abroad,” she lamented. She believes the structured, supportive model in Lithuania is something the UK could learn from, noting the comprehensive care she received, including daily transportation to physiotherapy.
As more patients explore options beyond their home countries, Susie Marks’ story highlights the urgent need for reform and innovation in healthcare delivery. With her newfound mobility and freedom, she is a testament to the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.
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