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Mr Simon Lambert 2018-07-30 Person 5 5 0

After a fall on ice I was in pain and unable to raise my arm. For months I attended clinics at Charing Cross Hospital and at St Mary's where I was ultimately told that I had a full tear to both the supraspinatus and to the subscapularis tendons and a subluxed biceps tendon. An MRI was arranged and a subequent appointment with a consultant at St Mary's who said the shoulder was beyond repair and that, at some point, l would probably need a shoulder replacement - also that I was being discharged fron the NHS. I went to see another consultant privately and he totally disagreed with the conclusion of the NHS consultant and recommended I opt for a full repair without delay, which was scheduled immediately. However, I had niggling doubts; why were the two opinions so different? A week before the scheduled surgery I went to see Mr Lambert for yet another opinion. Mr Lambert was fully prepared with my medical history and gave me the most thorough and thoughtful examination I have ever experienced. He explained with great clarity why each surgeon I had seen had been correct and why his opinion differed from both regarding the course of action I should pursue. He agreed that if he tried to repair the supraspinatus tendon it might ultimately fail (I have been a tennis player all my life and there was historic damage) and create a very stiff shoulder, but he also proposed that he could repair the subscapularis and relocate the biceps to its normal position, restoring mobility and easing shoulder pain. I am typing this with one finger five days after Mr Lambert successfully performed the procedure. I anticipated lots more pain post-op but have managed with ice packs and paracetamol. True, sleeping well is difficult, but Mr Lambert did prepare me for a long and challenging recovery. I am certain the recovery is going so well because of the great skill of Mr Lambert and his team. I feel so very fortunate that I was referred to this great surgeon, this wonderful and caring doctor and would offer a most whole-hearted recommendation to anyone who has the opportunity to become his patient.