[Phil & Ali Smith]

Hi,

Almost 2 years ago I had a 'half' knee replacement. At the time the consultant said that I had probably had a fall in childhood and left my knee damaged and that's why the oesteoarthritis had set into the joint.

Well, they were very reluctant to give me the surgery as I was only 43 at the time and I would need another new joint in 10/20 years etc.etc.

However, a couple of months ago I fell and hurt my 'good' knee. I've just had an arthroscopy and I've been told that the second knee is in worse shape than the one they've sorted. This time the oesteoarthritis is so much worse that I'll need a 'full' knee replacement (very soon). We haven't even submitted our EOI yet, but assuming we go through to the medical stage, what are my chances of this being a problem and should I wait until i've had the knee operation before organizing the medical.

Phil will be the main applicant on our EOI/ITA, I'm just the spouse (not claiming any points), does that make any difference?

If anyone has had any similar experience, or can offer any advice I'd much appreciate it.

Ali.

[Charlosparky]

Hi Ali,
Can't really help I'm afraid, but was just wondering, are you planning on having the op here or in NZ? And what are the costs/availability of such ops in NZ? My wife has quite bad arthritic pains - worse in winter of course- and one of our reasons for going to NZ Northland is to benefit from the warmer weather. However we are very aware that Northland is Sub-tropical so the humididty/damp levels can be high. I suppose we will just have to see.
As for the medicals, my wife has Fybromyelgia and also some blood disorder i cant spell, and the medicals were no problem for us- I dont think they even check your records. Good luck anyway :nice1

[Phil & Ali Smith]

Hi Charlosparky

Thanks for the reply.

I'm planning to have the op. in England, as soon as I can convince the consultant!!!! I'm still not really sure how these things work, even after the 1st time around, I'm beginning to think it's all about waiting lists. :confused: I have an appointment on the 23rd August, when I'll have to convince him it's becoming urgent!!

The waiting list (NHS) in Somerset is down to 12/14 weeks for hip/knee surgery. So if I sort it out this month I'll hopefully have the op. November/December.

As for the costs if it was private;- UK £8,000-£9,000 / NZ £4,500-£5,000 (approximately), I'm not 100% sure these costs are accurate as it was several months ago that I looked into it on various websites UK & NZ.

I hope your wife finds the climate better in NZ. We have chosen the Marlborough region in the South Island, as the weather is warmer than here in Somerset, but hopefully not so humid.

As for the medicals, I'm trying now to put it out of my mind for a while, it's just something else to worry about (as if we don't have enough).

Thanks for your good wishes. We're moving house this week and as soon as we can sort out the rest of our lives we'll be gone !!!!!!!!! ;)