After years of issues with my right ankle, while out running I well and truly damaged it. I had extreme pain, could not weight bear, swelling, bruising and numbness.
I attended A&E and was then referred to the fracture clinic. Everyone told me something different, or what it might be, but I was never told what it was. Seeing Mr Gordon was a breath of fresh air. He sat and listened, letting me explain all the issues and symptoms. Once I had finished he then asked me about me, my hobbies, my work and my ambitions. He took his time assessing the injury, explaining what he was doing throughout. I instantly felt comfortable and fully informed...
Once assessed Mr Gordon explained his opinion and where he felt was best to go from there giving me time frames, a prognosis and control of the decisions made. From that point on every option and outcome was fully explained, when I had a question both Mr Gordon and his secretary, Hellen Sellars, made themselves available to answer and explain. When Mr Gordon explained that he felt surgery was the best option I had complete confidence in accepting his advice.
Mr Gordon made sure I was aware of what the surgery entailed and the recovery process. Having already told him of my ambition to complete an Ironman competition in 6 months time, I needed the surgery asap. Mr Gordon and Hellen worked their schedules so I was in surgery within 10 days, this gave me the six months recovery I required. Post operation Mr Gordon was there to explain how the surgery went and what I should expect in the following few days. Once I had returned home, Hellen was again always available to answer questions for me. Throughout the recovery Mr Gordon has been there to explain the process, any pains I was feeling and issues I had to be mindful of. He has also been willing and understanding as I have pushed the recovery timeframe in my eagerness to return to full fitness as soon as possible.
Now at five months post op, I cannot believe the difference. Even though I know I have a way to go, my ankle is stable, pain free and making it possible for me to push myself to bigger and better things. Having visited many A&E departments, spoken to private and NHS consultants Mr Gordon has by far been the most communicative, understanding and reliable medical professional I have consulted. I would recommend all of my friends and family to visit him if necessary.
This patient was seen by Mr David Gordon, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Spire Harpenden Hospital in April 2014.