“In February 2019, I had the metalwork removed followed by having left TPO surgery later that year. All of this was fitted around completing my Master’s Degree at University of Warwick.

“2020 saw an abrupt halting of regular services for patients like myself due to COVID-19, however my surgeon reassured me and I still felt involved in my care and planning during this time. I was able to have my right hip scanned again in June and from there, we discovered a possible labral tear. In September 2020, I had the metalwork removed from my left hip and I felt completely at ease with how thorough ROH were with planning elective surgeries during a global pandemic. On the ward, I met another ‘young hippie’; we remain in contact and will be meeting up soon. In November 2020, I was able to sign for a right arthroscopy of my right hip; however, surgeries had once again been postponed due to the pandemic.

“Heading into 2021, my surgeon once again kept me involved in my care, arranging a left hip scan (which sadly also showed a possible labral tear), staying in contact and providing care and support for me during a time that my hips were being particularly problematic, even coming to see me on a Sunday during an admission. I was also saddened to hear that pressures were so great that staff were being redeployed to ITU wards and other hospitals to help ease pressure.

“In March, my surgery was able to go ahead and I had my right arthroscopy for a labral repair and cam debridement. I found the recovery for this surgery tough and there have been some very challenging times. On the other hand, the support I have had from the Physiotherapy Team (Alison from Hydrotherapy has the highest level of patience) and regular contact with Mr Politis is getting me through.