J D 's Story

Comments: Dear Prof. Levy,

You asked me several weeks ago to write a few words re my experience with having a Verso shoulder operation performed by your goodself! Here goes ...................

I have had Osteoarthritis since the early 1980's and have had two total knee replacements. Originally, several years ago, I suffered from a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I was operated on by Mr. Stephen Copeland at The Reading Shoulder Clinic, but unfortunately the operation wasn't the success story either of us had hoped for and I was left with less pain but still not 100% pain free. Over the next few years my shoulder was giving me progressive pain and in 2011 the pain had become quite severe. I eventually had pain 24/7 and had less and less movement due to how much pain it caused. I couldn't stand to leave it hanging down or supported in a sling, not even sleeping helped, whatever I did, the pain was getting worse!

I saw Prof Ofer Levy in October 2011 and it was decided I should have some form of shoulder replacement. The choice was either The Copeland Shoulder or indeed Prof. Levy's own invention, The Verso. After X rays, Prof. Levy thought I would probably have The Verso but he would make the final judgement once he had opened the shoulder. The three weeks prior to the operation, I was on morphine~ knocked me out but allowed me some sleep and rest bite.

Post operation, waking up in my room, I was told all had gone to plan and it was The Verso as my shoulder was "blown"!! I was in an all singing and dancing sling for a few of days and smaller one after my first post op appointment. The Physio came and saw me and started me on the initial "easy" exercises. The arm felt heavy and I felt I needed to gingerly support it at all times. I spent two nights in hospital and then was sent home with a sheet of exercises that had been given to me by the Physio. Obviously no driving for about 12 weeks ~ that was the worst (and most frustrating!) limitation. No more morphine, only some tramadol to help with the initial discomfort.

Starting gently, but diligently, I carried out the exercises. The pain was soooo much less than before the operation and the thought of it getting less and less kept me going when sometimes the thought of lifting a weight up and down, using a red elastic band attached to the door, etc., etc., seemed like a pain in the a**e! When I had my stitches removed, my exercises continued but in water ~ so much better. Initially, I overdid the swimming (against a jet stream)and the shoulder did ache but with the Physio's advice I slowed the swimming down and have gradually extended the time/strokes. I continued to see the Physio about every two weeks and I was eventually signed off on my own cognizance. Slowly, but surely, the discomfort has become less and less. Exercise is the key to the best recuperation ~ you just have to do it!

It is now nine months since the operation and I cannot believe how good the shoulder feels and what I can now do ~ EVERYTHING!!! I still swim everyday and still do some of the water exercises to warm up first ~ (this is from someone who truly hates exercises!) and I really do believe this has helped so much towards my recuperation. I would have no hesitation in recommending Prof. Levy's Verso ~ if I needed the same on my right shoulder, I would go straight away to him and agree to the procedure, without even thinking!

A true success ~ thank you Prof. Levy!
J.D.