Ken

Ken had a sharp pain in his shoulder that often woke him up at night and limited his ability to carry out everyday tasks such as holding a shopping bag. He went to see his GP who initially suggested physiotherapy, however when this didn’t work he was referred to a specialist. He received a steroid injection to help with his pain, but pain relief was short-lived and eventually he was told he needed surgery. Ken’s surgery went well and he is now able to do everyday tasks he wasn’t able to do before surgery.

At first, Ken didn’t realise there was a problem with his shoulder because he thought the pain may have been due to playing a lot of badminton. His shoulder pain started to affect work and every-day life but it wasn’t until the pain started to wake him up at night that Ken decided to make an appointment to see the GP.

His GP sent him to have physiotherapy, but it didn’t help, so Ken was referred to a specialist, who explained what was wrong with his shoulder. Ken found out he had a shoulder impingement and was given a cortisone injection to relieve the pain. The effect of the injection lasted only two weeks and after that he was told that surgery was his best option.

Ken was told that he had to wait three to four months for surgery he found the waiting difficult. While waiting for surgery he said he was short tempered and somewhat antisocial and reclusive. He was afraid that someone might bump into his shoulder and cause him a lot of pain, so he often preferred to stay at home, which affected his quality of life.

During his pre-op, Ken said he had everything explained to him in detail and all of his concerns were addressed. He was told exactly what would happen during his surgery. He was also given a leaflet and a video to watch, and although he felt the leaflet was not detailed enough, he liked the video.

Ken feels that his operation went well and he is happy with the results because he has no problems with his shoulder. His only grievance is that he wasn’t made aware of the possible side effects of the painkillers he was given to take home after surgery. They made him feel very nauseous and drowsy.

During his recovery, his wife took care of him for the first two days, as he needed help with showering. However, after about ten days, Ken was able to drive his car and go back to work and feels he can now do normal things he wasn’t able to do before surgery.

Ken thinks the overall healthcare he received was excellent, but said that the post-op exercises were too easy for someone like him. He said that post-op exercises should be tailored to the level of fitness and the age of the patient. During the post-op recovery period, he used his own weights at home to strengthen his arm.

The surgeon did a really good job’ explaining why Ken needed surgery. Hed played a lot of badminton before and had developed a bone overgrowth

Age at interview 46

Gender Male

The TEPI exercises were for older, non-sporty’ people. Ken used YouTube and other websites to find more so he could improve quickly and play sports again.

Age at interview 46

Gender Male

Ken would like the TEPI exercises to be tailored for use by different age groups and fitness levels. He found them easy and had done them all by the first week.

Age at interview 46

Gender Male

Waiting for a hospital appointment was hard work. Ken was in pain, felt grumpy, short tempered, and wary of going out in case anyone bumped into him.

Age at interview 46

Gender Male

Before surgery Ken found it painful to drive, play sports, vacuum, wash up and use his computer. After surgery his shoulder is brilliant.

Age at interview 46

Gender Male