Help for Hips and Knees

[kaitakbowler]

Hope some of you find this useful,

As a veteran, you can ask for a referral to a specialist Orthopaedic clinic at The Robert Jones & Edith Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG. There is a specific Veterans Clinic run by Lt Col Carl Meyer, an Army Reserve consultant surgeon who also works with 202 Field Ambulance and Reserve Hospital. I applied for a referral on 16 March, this year, and on 3rd May, a week ago, had a hip replacement, a total of just over 6 weeks. Lt Col Meyers specialises in hips and knees. If you don't mind a few days away from family, I can assure you it's more like an hotel than a hospital, and the foods really good. Having a long wait ahead of you at your local GP and hospital, this might be the way to go to achieve a much quicker result.
What is it? A service for military veterans to have their hip or knee arthritis assessed and, if appropriate, have joint replacement surgery and is led by Lt Col Carl Meyer, Military Consultant Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgeon at Oswestry’s specialist orthopaedic hospital. Lt Col Meyer is an Army Reserve officer who has been on three tours to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. He is an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon with 16 Medical Regiment, 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital.
�Who is it for? Anyone who has been in regular military service, including national service.
�Where is it? The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH), Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 7AG ,and is a centre of orthopaedic excellence specialising in lower limb replacement surgery.
�When is it? Outpatient clinics are held fortnightly at RJAH. (Normally on a Wednesday)
�How do I obtain an NHS referral ? Through your GP - Ask to be referred to the VETERANS’ HIP & KNEE SURGERY SERVICE at Oswestry - And ask your GP to make a named referral to Lt Col Meyer�
Contact information Email:
[email protected] Fax: 01691 404067 Tel: 01691 404344
Your records at your GP needs to be annotated with the NHS issued codes for military/veterans, take photocopies of your red discharge book, because he will ask for proof that you're a veteran.
Military medical codes
13J1. Military veteran
13JY. History relating to Military Service
13qo. History relating to Army Service
13q1. History relating to RN Service
13q2. History relating to RAF Service
13q3. Served in the Armed Forces
Lt Col Meyer wants to "do" more operations for veterans, but he has two problems, 1; finding the patients, he knows that we are out here, it's letting us know he's there for us, and 2; getting the money from the NHS, but, the more ops he does the more money they will give him, therefore the more ops he can do. So, come on, I've had 3 enquiries so far, there must be more than us 3. If you are members of other military Facebook sites pleas, please, please copy and paste to these pages and let as many veterans know about this brilliant service that's just for us. It's about time us vets got something back for our years of loyal service.

Passed on to me from one of my Ex colleagues.

[MPN11]

Mercifully not needed personally (yet) but thanks for that very useful post. What a VERY good chap he is! :D

My creaks and groans lie outwith his orbit :)

[haltonapp]

I've just spent £3678 for an Arthroscopy of my knee, perhaps he might have done it cheaper!

[Wander00]

Is he any good on feet? I have to see a (French) podiatrist next week - suspected dropped arches


Secondly, anyone do anything similar on chests and lungs. I have OCPD which results in shortness of breath. French consultant pretty firm on high altitude unpressurised (JP) or 40k ft pressurised to 24K or whatever it was in the Canberra being significant factors


Answers on a postcard.......

[Always a Sapper]

Does he cover dependants/spouses as well?

[sidewayspeak]

Great info

Moderators, can this be put as a 'sticky'...?

[kaitakbowler]

Does he cover dependants/spouses as well?

Try the contact details above.

[binbrook]

Wander00
Same chest problems, and JP yes, and Canberra yes (Meteor 7 too). Does your Frenchman have an opinion on the effect of long-term breathing of 100% oxygen when it wasn't really required, which was forced on us because the regulator didn't work?

[Wander00]

Binbrook - not said but I will ask next time I see him

[Haraka]

"take photocopies of your red discharge book, because he will ask for proof that you're a veteran."
I never got one of those- am I missing something?

[Pontius Navigator]

To add, have a look at Benenden. Cost is very moderate and benefits are quite good. I am on the old under 65 scheme and purchase top tier benefits. Apart from the specific payments for optical, dentistry and chiropractor I also get £40 per day for procedure in hospital or day care.

[Wander00]

Similar with Hospital Saturday Fund (Special scheme for RAFA), but they do not have their own hospital

[ShyTorque]

"take photocopies of your red discharge book, because he will ask for proof that you're a veteran."
I never got one of those- am I missing something?

Nor did I. Was this something that non commissioned ranks only were given, I wonder?

[Thud_and_Blunder]

I had my Other Ranks discharge certification from the army in a red plastic book when I transferred over to the junior service. No equivalent on leaving the RAF though.

[glad rag]

Great info

Moderators, can this be put as a 'sticky'...?


:D

Well done Mods Well done !!

[charliegolf]

Nor did I. Was this something that non commissioned ranks only were given, I wonder?

Nope!

CG

[hippocrates]

A fantastic service but I'm sure Carl won't mind me adding that he is a Regular not Reserves Surgeon and this is an NHS service that you don't pay for.
Patients can now ask to go anywhere under choose and book and consultant surgeons make money for their trust by seeing patients and operating. This is a good way to offer something back to the Veteran community but he is by no means alone.
A recent nationwide network of NHS hospitals that have military consultants embedded in them has been set up. Your GP's can refer you to them. I will dig out the link from BBC news about this. Also worth noting that Prof Briggs from Stanmore is leading on another veterans network to give similar access.
All your GP's need to do is refer you in.
The majority of Military Consultants embedded in the NHS are signed up, i know i am!
Cheers
Hippo

[hippocrates]

The link below is a starter.
The system is changing and there are lots of clinicians that want to work hard to improve the care given to veterans.

https://www.networks.nhs.uk/news/veterans-trauma-network-open-for-referrals

[hippocrates]

The trauma centres helping veteran amputees - BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-38613566/the-trauma-centres-helping-veteran-amputees)

This is not solely about those who lost limbs, its about all Veterans.
The Stanmore initiative will push this out to more hospitals and will also include more elective work.
Carl is excellent, but not alone. Your GP's should be able to source Veterans access for you.

[cliver029]

[QUOTE=kaitakbowler;9782212]Hope some of you find this useful,


I have just picked up on this and will follow it through with my GP!

I b**gered my hip crosscountry running when a Boy Entrant, never good and getting very much worse over the last year, I am currently with the Musculoskeletal team at Addenbrookes and whilst they are doing the very best they can given funding issues, the timescales between appointments are on the geological time scale.

Thank you for sharing

Clive

[cliver029]

THUD

Didn't you get a blue plastic folder when you left!:cool:

Cliver029

[Pontius Navigator]

Clive, a key issue to regarding your hip is your medical record at the time proving an in-service injury. Better is a continuing or regular entry in your medical records. If you have such ongoing notes then the RBL can advise and assist in claiming an award or pension from SVA.

I remember my first medical complaint after about 12 year's service and then regularly thereafter. A key part of my assessment was recounting how it affected me. Mrs PN was essential here as you forget what you can't do as you adept your life style.

[Wander00]

No blue plastic folder for me either


PN - with which bit of RBL does one open the batting?

[Wander00]

PN - last line - that's true - Mrs W spend her days, and mine, telling what I have not done....

[Shack37]

"take photocopies of your red discharge book, because he will ask for proof that you're a veteran."
I never got one of those- am I missing something?


I have:


RAF Form 856
Certificate of Service, Colour Blue


AKA Discharge Book?


Issued 1971


Is this the required document?.

[Pontius Navigator]

Wander. I don't recall but I think this is the link

War Pensions Scheme | The Royal British Legion (http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/finances/compensation-advice/war-pensions-scheme/)

I had a grant but then applied for reassessment. They sent paper work which I had to return within a period, 6 months IIRC. Once reassessed I got a small pension, a card that gives me priority in the NHS within medical needs for my disability, ie someone who has a greater need would get priority. I also get a free Oyster card. I can use this for tube travel.

[Wander00]

PN - Muchas gracias

[cliver029]

PN

Many thanks for the update and advice.

Clive029

[Wander00]

This thread reminds me of Jake Thackray..."Hips and thighs they hypnotise me....."

[kaitakbowler]

Just had this passed to me, for info.

HTH

PM

[[email protected]]

If it is feet and toes that give you problems (bunions or forefoot pain for example) I can very strongly recommend Mr Karl Trimble (ex-RAF) at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

He did an excellent job sorting my right foot out 10 years ago and I am booked in to have the left one done soon. Having your big toes pointing in the correct direction is somewhat underrated:ok:

[oldsimscot]

Thanks for putting this in the public domain. seeing my GP next week.

[Wander00]

But if you want a fantastic foot surgeon, Pierre Barouk in Bordeaux. Gave her indoors a "new" pair of feet. Strapline on his web site: "Making feet for beautiful shoes"

[Unixman]

Further update. A campaign has been started to raise £1m for a dedicated Veteran's Orthopaedic Centre at the RJAH. Details (including how to donate) here:

https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/About-Us/News/Legends-line-up-as-patrons-for-ground-breaking-Vet.aspx


Please cascade.

[teeteringhead]

That's very good news Unixman. Carl Meyer has been monitoring my knee and feet, and one of his civilian colleagues is replacing my shoulder joint next week - all service-related injuries. (and they have provided info to the Vets Administration in my pursuit of a War Pension.)

RJAH is an amazing place - and only about an hour from Teetering Towers - any support they can get is most welcome.

[Thomas coupling]

Can someone advise if this vets service is (a) only hips and knees and also if the service extends to family.

Many thanks in advance.

[MightyGem]

Can someone advise if this vets service is (a) only hips and knees and also if the service extends to family.

You could always ask, TC:
[email protected] Fax: 01691 404067 Tel: 01691 404344

[Thomas coupling]

They couldn't share much light on it!
Hips and Knees only but shoulders - maybe??

Family = no, but.....................Col Meyer does see 'normal' patients too??

So there we have it...something and nothing.

[teeteringhead]

Some more info and further to my post 35.

Carl Meyer is (primarily if not exclusively) hips and knees. That said, on my referral to him from my GP, he (Lt Col Meyer) referred me internally - within the hospital - to a foot man and a shoulder man.

So - for me anyway - the initial referrral was to the Veterans Unit, but worked onwards from there - especailly for my shoulder which is now titanium and plastic!

And I am now officially 20% disabled for service-attributable reasons, so get a small - but usefully tax-free - War Pension. Also - thanks I think to BoJo when he was Mayor - I get a totally free Oyster Card for free travel in and around London, 'busses, tubes and overground.

Happy to attempt to answer any further queries if I can, either publicly or by PM. I cannot sing the praises of RJAH too highly.

[6Z3]

I need a new knee. Was going to do it 15 yrs ago when I left the RN but when my surgery appt arrived I chickened out when I read through the risk factors - it just wasn’t painful enough and I didn’t want to risk the replacement needing replacing in my early 70s. Lost some weight and acquired a dog and I have got by happily on the old arthritic knee. But now it’s started to become unstable, locking up regularly with bits of arthritic spur jamming the works, then frees up for a few days before the next cycle. Phoned Col Meyer’s sec to ask what his waiting list looks like and 10 weeks was the reply. My GP referral to the local (RCHT) orthopaedic dept has me an appt next week. As a replacement was deemed appropriate 15 yrs ago, I did not need to jump through a triage of hoops before being assessed and I’m hoping I will be quicker along the route than previously, which is currently guesstimated to be “months rather than weeks” in Cornwall. Question: after seeing the consultant next week, am I better off ( in terms of quality and timeliness) being asked to be re-referred to the Veterans Orthopaedic Service, or should I keep my place in the Cornish knee queue? Anyone able to advise,or comment?

[Pontius Navigator]

6ZS, I can't advise but would be very interested in hearing how you get on pre and post Op.

[simmy]

I need a new knee. Was going to do it 15 yrs ago when I left the RN but when my surgery appt arrived I chickened out when I read through the risk factors - it just wasn’t painful enough and I didn’t want to risk the replacement needing replacing in my early 70s. Lost some weight and acquired a dog and I have got by happily on the old arthritic knee. But now it’s started to become unstable, locking up regularly with bits of arthritic spur jamming the works, then frees up for a few days before the next cycle. Phoned Col Meyer’s sec to ask what his waiting list looks like and 10 weeks was the reply. My GP referral to the local (RCHT) orthopaedic dept has me an appt next week. As a replacement was deemed appropriate 15 yrs ago, I did not need to jump through a triage of hoops before being assessed and I’m hoping I will be quicker along the route than previously, which is currently guesstimated to be “months rather than weeks” in Cornwall. Question: after seeing the consultant next week, am I better off ( in terms of quality and timeliness) being asked to be re-referred to the Veterans Orthopaedic Service, or should I keep my place in the Cornish knee queue? Anyone able to advise,or comment?

I was living in Truro when both my knees needed fixing. (My age then 75, weight too high, rugby and squash too much). The Cornwall NHS offered a choice of locations and I chose The Duchy in Truro, a private hospital. What an excellent choice it turned out to be. The surgeon Mr Andy Lee was brilliant. Both knees were done only a week apart. It was a very short wait but this was 5 years ago. I am a 22 year RAF veteran. As I have re-located to Cheshire I will be contacting Oswestry as my hips are now arthritic!

[6Z3]

Thank you for that Simmy. Yes, Mr Lee was my consultant 15 yrs ago and was always RNAS Culdrose’s go-to specialist when referring patients. Unfortunately I don’t see his name on the RCHT current list of orthopaedic consultants, so I guess he has retired or otherwise moved on. Interesting that you were able to choose the private hospital Duchy next door to Treliske. One area that gives me some cause for concern at Treliske is their poor record with infection. I know infection and knee replacements do not mix successfully.

[simmy]

Thank you for that Simmy. Yes, Mr Lee was my consultant 15 yrs ago and was always RNAS Culdrose’s go-to specialist when referring patients. Unfortunately I don’t see his name on the RCHT current list of orthopaedic consultants, so I guess he has retired or otherwise moved on. Interesting that you were able to choose the private hospital Duchy next door to Treliske. One area that gives me some cause for concern at Treliske is their poor record with infection. I know infection and knee replacements do not mix successfully.
I only remembered Mr Andy Lee because I saw it on the Royal Duchy Hospital website (and the name is the same as a friend of mine from my flying days. - just checked again and he is listed. My wife had a hip done there as well under the same NHS scheme. Also very well done but by the other consultant at the time whose name I do not remember. The food and service were excellent and free!

[SASless]

I had a Hip Replacement back in April....the first week was a genuine pain in the ass....as I had the Posterior Procedure (the old fashioned style) but within Ten days I was driving and getting around without a Walker or Cane.

If you are suffering real pain, cannot sleep well because of pain, and your daily routine is hampered by the bad Hip....go get the Surgery done!

I injured the other Hip which was going bad the same way the other Hip was....and now am in the process of getting the second one done.


When I awoke from the Surgery....I had pain due to the incision and all the disturbance of the muscles that goes along with the procedure....but the chronic pain from my poor ol' arthritic hip was GONE.

I "John Wayne'd" it on the Pain Meds....and will not do that again.

Get ahead of the pain with your Pain Meds....and use it until the is no need for it.

There is nothing that compares with laying in bed in the middle of the night "hurting" when that jar of pills is within arm's reach.

[Slow Biker]

SASless, couldn't agree more about how effective this surgery is. As the surgeon said to me, "you are in pain now, but in a few hours you will be totally pain free". I asked about having the surgery under an epidural, "Ha" he said. " you don't want that, I'll be using a hammer and there will be bits flying about, just go to sleep" An uncemented joint was a nuisance, six weeks non-weight bearing, but still going strong 21 years later.

[thegypsy]

I recorded recently a whole knee replacement operation. Have only watched about 30 minutes of it so far but I reckon I will need one soon as just under 3 years ago I got right knee sepsis Arthritis and spent just under 8 weeks in hospital and had three knee wash outs

I have concerns about picking up an infection too so will delay until absolutely necessary as during my stay at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital I picked up a bug Carbapenem Resistant Organism which means if I ever go into any hospital I have to be isolated with enhanced infection control which means a single room and all visitors and staff have to wear long sleeved gowns and gloves!

Other than that I got excellent treatment but it does rather put one off having such an operation until really the bitter end.

[SASless]

"Slow "is exactly right.....Orthopedic Surgeons took up that profession upon being denied entry into the Iron Workers Union.

A Doctor friend set me up with his Pal who is an Anesthesiologist at the facility where I h ad the procedure done.

When I was asked if had any questions at the Pre-Op visit....I reminded the Quacks that I did not wish to be there when the operation was done.

I had been told they would be injecting lots of numbing and doing a Spinal to deaden everything from the waist down (nature beat them to some of that) and they would then use my favorite drug called "Versed" which I saw used while flying Helicopter EMS.

Versed's many abilities includes creating amnesia....you cannot remember anything that happens.

It worked....I felt a couple of painful needle sticks....some mumbling by the Doctors, a very weird dream (the Recovery Room) and about two o'clock in the morning (Twelve hours after the Operation) being asked how I felt by a male nurse.

I felt great....having been to the other side for a while and realizing I still had to pay taxes was a relief.

My butt hurt...from the incision and the Nurse and I negotiated the amount of pain medicine he gave me....half pill or whole pill....if my perceived pain level was 1-6 I got half a pill....7-10 it was a full Pill........oh hell yes....9....9...9..9!

I admit it....I am not John Wayne!

Infections of any kind, and any Dental or Medical procedure that can lead to any kind of infection is a very real issue for Hip Procedures as bones are very susceptible to rejecting the implanted prosthesis if infection occurs.

I am just finishing a two week course of Antibiotics for an infection on the opposite foot caused by a laceration not healing well just in case it was infected.

Midazolam, marketed under the trade name Versed, among others, is a medication used for anesthesia, procedural sedation, trouble sleeping, and severe agitation. It works by inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and causing a loss of ability to create new memories. It is also useful for the treatment of seizures.

[L1011effoh]

I’m looking for advice from anyone living in Scotland who has successfully managed to get a referral to Lt Col Meyer’s Veterans’ Clinic at RJAH. I only ask because the advice on the RJAH website says that funding must be agreed by the health board before referral. I spoke to my GP today (I’m already on the hip replacement waiting list in Scotland) and he didn’t know how to apply for funding. He also said that it was difficult to get approval for anything similar between Scottish NHS regions so thought it was very unlikely that any referral would happen. . . not really what I wanted to hear and not good for veterans in Scotland.

[Unixman]

People here might be interested to know that the dedicated centre for veteran's orthopaedic care, the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre at the RJAH, was opened for business on Friday following a Remembrance service.


https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/about-us/news/uks-first-dedicated-centre-for-veteran-orthopaedic-care-officially-open-for-business-at-rjah/

[SASless]

It is hard to imagine a "Waiting List" for hip replacement surgery....I could have been in...and out....of surgery within three days had I the nerve to give the go ahead.

The delay was in getting the Veterans Administration (VA) authorization which took about two weeks....due to the sloth like pace of the bureaucracy within the VA.

Cost to me....Zero.

The VA paid for all medications, the surgery, hospital, and physical therapy.

The VA back charged much of it to the government run Medicare system which I am entitled to due to my age.

I purchase a Supplemental Coverage Insurance that covers the 20% shortfall of the payments built into the Medicare Insurance program which means my only cost are the monthly premiums for the Medicare Insurance and the Supplemental Coverage..

[teeteringhead]

RJAH is brilliant, and the Veterans' unit particularly so - and it's only about 40 minutes from Teetering Towers.

And it's NHS! I asked the boss (a Reserve RAMC Lt Col) why the waiting lists were so short. Simple he says: you give a soldier (or sailor or airman) or veteran an 0900 appointment, he (or she) will be there at 0845 to make sure they're not late.

Apparently an astonishing 40% of NHS Out Patient appointments are no shows, with no contact with the hospital........

Which accounts for some of the waiting list ..........

[L1011effoh]

RJAH is brilliant, and the Veterans' unit particularly so - and it's only about 40 minutes from Teetering Towers.

And it's NHS! I asked the boss (a Reserve RAMC Lt Col) why the waiting lists were so short....

I spoke to the Lt Col’s secretary. As I was not already on his waiting list it would have been 8 months to see him for an assessment, and then 12 months on the waiting list. As I had made no progress in getting NHS Scotland to agree funding for the RJAH, I withdrew my request for a referral there. I have recently had a letter stating that for current hip replacement operations in my area, the patients have been on the waiting list for 86 weeks, so I should be getting mine about Christmas 2023. 🙁

[teeteringhead]

Apologies for giving the wrong info - it's 3 or 4 years (fortunately!) since I've been; obviously different now.......

[SASless]

86 Week waiting period for a hip replacement....that is simply terrible to consider.

We are talking about a month from the visit with the Primary Care Quack to hobbling up the stairs back home post operation.

That was each Hip replacement procedure.

Our VA earns its crriticism....but it appears it is much better than the UK system.

[L1011effoh]

86 Week waiting period for a hip replacement....that is simply terrible to consider.

Our VA earns its crriticism....but it appears it is much better than the UK system.

As far as I'm aware there's nothing even remotely similar to your VA here in the UK. That 86 week waiting period is in my NHS local area for all NHS patients, other areas in the UK may be different. If my osteoarthritis was attributable to my service, apparently I would have been afforded some priority. It's difficult to prove any link after having been out of the RAF for 23 years unfortunately.