When waiting was no longer an option, Nicola made the decision to travel to Spain for the treatment she needed. What followed was a journey she says she could never have made without the care and support of the Surgery Now team.

 

“I came to use the services of Surgery Now as a last resort…”

“I came to use the services of Surgery Now as a last resort as I couldn’t get looked after at home in Ireland. Following an intense 10 days at home in extreme pain and with no alternative other than to continue waiting indefinitely on a list to see an orthopedic consultant, I made the decision to contact them.

Within 3 hours of my initial inline enquiry, I was contacted by Keith who explained how everything worked. Having had an uncle who had previously used this service gave me some peace of mind that it was indeed a viable option.

Keith was very clear from the beginning as regards the non refundable expenses I would likely incur and what the Cross Border initiative would likely cover.

A decision made in just a few days

I had an online consultation with Dr David in Alicante the next morning and he outlined the procedure he thought I needed and what availability he had to perform the surgery.

I was offered a date in 10 days time, I was very lucky and the next day I made the only decision I felt I could make and I booked my flight to go.

This was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make as I had to travel alone due to family circumstances, to an unfamiliar country where I don’t speak the language to have surgery.

I was extremely anxious but throughout the next few days both Keith and Alex, my contact in Spain did absolutely everything to put my mind at ease and get the required paperwork submitted in time.

Arriving in Spain

I lett Ireland on June 7th, and I was collected in Alicante at the airport in the afternoon by Scott. As soon as I turned my phone on when I landed I had a message from him to let me know he was on the way.

Over the next few days, Scott collected me from the hotel and took me to my pre op appointments in Alicante and to meet my consultant in Torrevieja…all the while by my side and being the soundest human chatting, telling me stories and giving me any information I needed.

He took me in for my surgery on Tuesday afternoon even calling in to me afterwards around 10.30pm to make sure I was ok.

Supported every step of the way

I was due to fly home Thursday night and the team arranged a post op appointment and dressing change with Dr Hugo in Torrevieja again to put my mind at ease.

Everything positive you can read in the other reviews I found to be 100% accurate. I would have no hesitation in recommending Surgery Now to anyone and have already provided their details to many people at home.

I’m now in the recovery phase and scheduled to meet Dr David online via WhatsApp one month post surgery for review.

I have also heard from Leanne who will submit my refund claim to the HSE, having this as part of the service is fantastic as I can just focus on getting better now and they will look after this element.

Feeling at home in Spain

On a side note, Hotel AJ was fantastic, clean with everything you could need on the doorstep.

I also had the added stress of my coeliac disease to navigate whilst away however the staff at the hotel and in surrounding businesses were fantastic and I had no issues. I managed to eat safely and the staff were knowledgeable about cross contamination and did everything they could to help me.

“They have been phenomenal”

Trying to find the words to convey the care and compassion shown to me by the Surgery Now team in the last two weeks is difficult…they have been phenomenal.

Everyone I met along the way has been so kind…a special mention again to Scott who went above and beyond and is an integral part of the success of the whole process..his good humour, care and compassion put me completely at ease which was incredibly important for a young woman travelling alone for medical reasons.

Also, Dr David, Dr Hugo, the reception team and Sammie in Torrevieja were so kind..not to mention the other Surgery Now patients I had the pleasure of bumping into whilst sharing a lift on occasion… everyone looking out for each other.

Keep up the great work guys the service you are providing is fantastic and I may see you in a few months with my Mom yet, on her own journey to recovery.”

 

We’re incredibly grateful to Nicola for sharing her experience so openly and honestly, and for giving others an insight into what the journey with Surgery Now can really be like from a patient’s point of view.

As Nicola mentioned, we may hopefully have the pleasure of welcoming her back to Spain one day with her mum, as she begins her own journey.

And when that day comes, we’ll be delighted to catch up with Nicola, hear all about how her recovery has gone and find out how life has changed since we first met her.