I have seen my GP and he has advised me to see Mr Tselentakis. What happens now?
Firstly, let’s arrange a convenient time and day for you to see Mr Tselentakis. Once that is arranged, you will need to contact your Insurance Company in order to obtain an authorisation number for the consultation.
In some cases, it is possible to arrange an MRI Scan beforehand if that is what you would like.
I think I am going to need surgery
Not necessarily! Let’s just get you in to see Mr Tselentakis first. You may need to have an MRI Scan to ascertain the extent of your problem and, following that, a decision can be made.
I’ve had the results of my MRI Scan and I need surgery. What happens now?
You choose a convenient date to come in and have your surgery carried out. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need a Pre Assessment – generally this is for major surgery i.e. Knee Replacement or ACL Reconstruction.
Do I have to have a general anaesthetic?
Mr Tselentakis normally carries out surgery under regional or general anaesthetic but every patient will have the opportunity to discuss their individual needs with the Anaesthetist.
I am having an arthroscopy. Do I need to stay in overnight?
Arthroscopies are done as day case surgery – you will need to come into hospital either early morning or lunchtime depending on when your surgery is and will need to starve 6 hours prior to surgery. All these details are outlined in a letter once your surgery date has been confirmed. You will be discharged home the same day and will need someone to collect you and to be with you for 24 hours after surgery due to the use of anaesthetic.
Will I be non weight-bearing after my arthroscopy?
No, you can mobilise but will need to rest as much as possible in the first few days to enable the swelling in your knee to subside and your knee to recover from the trauma of surgery. After a week to 10 days, you should be back to normal depending upon the amount of work that was carried out whilst you were under anaesthetic.
You will be given a 2 week follow-up appointment with Mr Tselentakis following surgery when your sutures will be removed and by that time, as a general rule of thumb, most patients are back to their normal routine although everyone is different.
Will I need Physio following my arthroscopy?
The Physiotherapist will come to see you whilst you are on the Day Unit and will show you exercises you can do at home. They will also make sure you can go up and downstairs safely before discharge. They will then arrange to see you a week following your surgery.
When can I drive?
Following arthroscopy, you will be given a 2 week follow-up appointment to see Mr Tselentakis and at that stage most patients, although not all, will be driving.
When can I return to work?
This all depends upon the type of work you do – i.e. involving a lot of standing or travelling on public transport etc. You will generally need to take a week to 10 days off or sometimes longer. It does very much depend on how much work has been carried out whilst you are under anaesthetic and the type of job you have.
I am having Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Does that mean I have to stay in hospital? What Rehab is required?
ACL Reconstruction normally incurs an overnight stay in hospital. The first week following surgery will be uncomfortable but after this, you will undertake an intensive course of physiotherapy.
How long am I in hospital following my total knee replacement?
You will stay in hospital for about 3 to 5 days.
When do the clips come out? How soon after this will I be able to drive?
Your clips will be removed 2 weeks after your surgery has taken place and you will have a follow-up consultation arranged with Mr Tselentakis 6 weeks after your surgery.
At this stage, you should be able to drive although in order to drive safely you will need to be able to carry out an emergency manoeuvre without being concerned about your knee. There are no hard and fast rules as to when you can drive as everyone heals differently.