For years Joke Brabers (70) suffered from hip complaints. Even after multiple operations and a new prosthesis. When she ended up at the Sint Maartenskliniek, her life changed completely: “Finally I can look ahead again.”
People with an artificial hip or artificial knee sometimes suffer from their prosthesis. Because of the pain, they have hardly any freedom of movement. The Sint Maartenskliniek in Woerden specializes in so-called knee and hip revisions. During revision surgery, the old prosthesis is replaced by a new prosthesis. These operations are very complex, but can ensure that the prosthetic complaints disappear after all. Due to their great expertise, the Sint Maartenskliniek can possibly do more than its own doctor. That happened to Joke: after years of pain, she can now do everything again.
Are you or do you know someone with persistent complaints after having a hip or knee replacement? Then you can get a referral for the Sint Maartenskliniek through your GP. The Sint Maartenskliniek is easily accessible throughout the country and has locations in Woerden, Nijmegen and Boxmeer. You can read all about it on the website.
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Lost count
Joke does not remember exactly how often she was operated. “I’ve lost count. Four, five, maybe six times I had surgery on my hip prostheses,” says Joke. The complaints started about fifteen years ago. “I had a lot of pain in my left hip while walking. At a certain point I could no longer bend over, cycle or do the housework.”
Joke eventually got a new artificial hip, but the pain did not disappear. In another hospital, doctors replace her prosthesis with a new one. Unfortunately, the complaints continued. “In the period after that I had surgery a number of times. In addition, I also needed a prosthesis on the right. Because my walking had deteriorated, my right hip was worn out.”
Experts
Joke walked around with pain for years. “I like cycling, I have my own vegetable garden and I enjoy looking after my grandchildren. I had to give up everything. Even sleeping hurt.” Until an acquaintance pointed her to the Sint Maartenskliniek. “She worked there. The doctors are specialized in complex hip problems and perform complicated surgeries on a weekly basis. So they have a lot of experience. I also read only positive stories on the internet. In short: that’s where I had to go! I asked my GP for a referral and luckily I was able to get a referral within a few weeks.”
Taken seriously
The first conversation with the orthopedist immediately felt good. “Only one thing was important to me: that I could move painlessly again. Fortunately, the doctor took the time to hear my story. He also explained clearly afterwards what the treatment plan was. I felt really taken seriously.” After the operation Joke immediately felt that the pain was gone. “Six weeks later I almost didn’t need my crutches anymore!”
Read more under Joke’s video >
Life back
After a fall, Joke also urgently needs to be treated for her hip prosthesis on the right side. “I immediately told my GP that I only wanted to go to the Sint Maartenskliniek. I was once again looked after so well: the next day I was operated on.” The recovery was even faster this time. “The morning after the operation I was already leaning on crutches next to my bed. A few more weeks later I was in my vegetable garden, as usual, digging potatoes and picking lettuce. I am very happy that I can do everything again and look forward. After all these years, I finally have my life back.”
Knowing more?
The Sint Maartenskliniek is specialized and very experienced in resolving persistent complaints after a knee or hip prosthesis. Do you have someone close to you who has been dealing with such complaints for a long time? Then it is definitely worth it to see what Sint Maartenskliniek can do for you. Sometimes a physiotherapist or own doctor cannot solve it, but there is still a way out.
The clinic has locations in Woerden, Nijmegen and Boxmeer and is therefore also easily accessible from the west of the country. Complex complaints are given priority at the Sint Maartenskliniek. Your GP can help you with a referral. Check the website for more information.