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Mr Robert Lee 2020-10-22 Person 5 5 0

The care and expertise given by Mr Lee and his team are first class. At the age of 55, after years of debilitating back pain caused by scoliosis, causing deterioration in both my physical and mental health, I realised that I required specialist help. I was referred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, but I first researched who was the leading specialist in spinal surgery. I first met Mr Lee and his specialist nurse, Clare Harman at the outpatients' clinic in Bolsover street. Following imaging, they took their time to explain the spinal surgery which Mr Lee recommended. At no time did I feel pressurised by time or anxious about the enormity of the surgery ahead. Indeed, Mr Lee recommended I return at a later date when I was totally sure that I wanted to proceed. Ms Harman was also extremely helpful in suggesting how my mobility would be following surgery, and also introduced me to an older post- op patient in the waiting room, whose encouragement and positive support for Mr Lee I appreciated. Six months later at the beginning of December, I underwent 2 phase surgery at the RNOH to fuse my spine from T10 down to the sacrum. It was brutal surgery, including an unscheduled surprise 3 day stay in ITU, followed by about 10 days recovery, but I survived! Every procedure was explained to me in non doctor speak, and never did I feel overwhelmed. I was advised to expect a year long recovery. I worked hard at my rehabilitation, both through physiotherapy and with the support of my family and friends. I had follow up consultations with Mr Lee at 3, 6, 9 months and then every year. The spinal team was also available by telephone for any worries. As a Mum with 5 kids (the youngest was 20)and as a journalist, I was used to an active and sporty lifestyle and never thought I would be able to return to the level of activity I was used to. It took a while, but with a lot of swimming and pilates I recovered my physical strength. These days, I live in Lyon France where I keep fit with low resistance aqua biking and plenty of walking. I still keep up with Mr Lee and his team and would not wish to stop follow up. Due to data protection, it is difficult to speak to other patients or anyone who has undergone similar surgery. There is plenty of advice on the internet, some of it unreal and frightening and I would advise against trawling the net. If you are seeing Mr Lee, take a friend or family member to your consultation, and go armed with questions. ( I never felt patronised by asking the most basic questions, as has happened in the past with other medical professionals!) Talking to another patient who has experienced similar surgery, is most helpful. Mr Lee and Ms Harman have approached me to offer support to others and I hope this has helped. At the hospital - best advice I was given was to buy an extra long mobile phone cable! I think Mr Lee is a total hero! I truly believe he saved my life. Thank you to Mr Lee, Ms Harman and the RNOH spinal surgery team.