Every now and then an ARCH patient writes to us post-operation to let us know how they’re doing. We were delighted to receive this note from Martin, a Wellington-based patient, recently. It’s put a spring in our step as its validates our purpose to improve the health and wellbeing of patients who have no other option but to suffer in silence:
I am writing to thank you.
Thank you for helping people like me, to get surgery that’s needed to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle. I want you to know that I am wholly grateful for the surgery that you allowed me to have. I was born with bilateral club feet, and for years I was able to enjoy work, gym and social activities without any issues until 2012 where being on my feet cause me a lot of pain. Fast forward to now, with the help of Dr Guresh Kanji and Dr Matt Brick, who showed me what needed to be done, to get me as close to 100% as possible. This meant having two hip surgeries to repair and reshape each hip. At this point, I was glad we had a road map that would help me return to work, and live healthy active lifestyle again.
I am happy to say, I have had both surgeries and am currently doing well. I am now at the point where I feel like I can begin to make plans to return to work, people are noticing that I am walking better, I’m in less pain while on my feet, the list continues to grow as I get further into my recovery. The next step is to continue to work on recovery, lose a few more kilos, and somewhere down the line come off the majority of my pain meds and find employment again. I want you to know that, none of this would be possible without the help you have provided. I will be forever thankful that organizations like yourselves that help people in need.
Kind regards and blessing,
Martin
(surname withheld)