I am 80 in February and I am absolutely delighted how how fantastic Professor King's operation for Spinal Stenosis has made me feel. Within a couple of days I was standing upright and able to walk without leaning forward. It made me look over an inch taller. The pins and needles and numbness in my feet when walking straight away. " My Drop Foot " on the right foot which made me sound lame when walking on hard surfaces was half back to normal within 2 weeks of the operation. Now 4 weeks later it is about 80 percent right. Sheer joy.
So Professor King , a very big thank you for making me, well yes, feel youthful again.
Peter Ross
I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma which was removed in January 2012.
I consulted Professor Ramsden and Mr Scott Rutherford who advised removing the tumour which had grown to a size which could not be left as it was still growing. I looked at alternative treatments which I discounted as not suitable given my age and circumstances.
The risks of the operation were discussed with me in full together with the possible problems I may encounter.
After the consultations I had complete confidence in the ability of the surgeons and their team to provide me with the best possible outcome.
I was treated with the utmost courtesy and honesty by Professor Ramsden and Mr Scott Rutherford and their team on all occasions.
The whole experience for my family and I was made more bearable with the confidence in the relationship which developed with Professor Ramsden, Mr Scott Rutherford and their support team.
I am pleased to say that the final outcome was a total success and I returned to work within three months. I am still working and carry on with my former activities and interests including sailing and walking etc. at aged 73.
John Royle
I am a 66 year old female who was diagnosed with Von Hippel- Lindau Syndrome in 1988, which resulted in the removal of 6 benign tumours and associated cysts from my cerebellum during the ensuing 20 years. In 2008 my neurosurgeon retired and passed my care to Professor Andrew King, at BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle, Cheshire and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford.
Professor King continued to monitor my condition via scans. By 2015 I had 7 current posterior fossa cerebellar haemangioma blastomas with enlargement of the cystic and solid components of the right inferomedial lesion and therefore I needed a further operation to remove the two largest of these tumours/cysts.
In spite of the increased risk of a 7th operation to the cerebellum, Professor King performed the operation in October 2015. The operation has been very successful and I would like to thank Professor King for the treatment and care that he and his team provided. I am certain that my recovery is due to Professor King’s expertise and gracious care.
YB
Andrew carried out a slipped disc operation (micro-discectomy) on me in 2007.
I had been in excellent health until the disc slipped but the disc damage caused me significant loss of function. I could not bend down, exercise properly or spend any time in a seated position and I was in considerable pain. Andrew suggested a brief period of time to see if the damage would self-correct without surgery but it was clear after a month that it was not going to.
Andrew clearly explained to me the potential risks and benefits of the operation and we decided to go ahead with it.
The operation itself was very straightforward to recover from. I left hospital the next day and as soon as the painkillers wore off, it was obvious that the operation had removed almost all the discomfort caused by the bulging disc pressing against my nerves.
In the 7 years since the operation, I have rowed solo across the Atlantic (setting off only 9 months after the operation), completed 2 Ironman competitions, a marathon and cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, all of which require a fully functioning spine!
I consider the operation to have been a total success. Even now, I do still have to be more careful with my back and I avoid lifting things at the wrong angle. I also use a kneeling chair at work and try and do back stretches and exercises a couple of times a week. Aside from those very minor concessions, with the help of Andrew, the slipped disc has had no negative impact upon my life.
Anthony Taylor
"You shouldn't be doing that" said Scott Rutherford, my Neurosurgeon at 8.00 on the morning after my acoustic neuroma was removed. I was sitting up in bed eating some corn flakes and a mug of tea. My first reaction was to look for a nil by mouth sign.
He further explained that I shouldn't want to be able to do that as I should be still suffering from sickness and vertigo on the first morning post-op and eating food would be the last thing on my mind.
He promptly arranged for a physiotherapist to attend. My lines and catheter had just been removed and he wanted to know if it would be possible for me to stand up with support or possibly unaided. I stood up walked down the corridor, up a flight of stairs, then back to bed by myself. The anaesthetist called and told me that I had been the first case that he had done without giving an anti-emetic after and was surprised to see me in such good spirits.
Before anyone thinks that I am bragging, I should come clean. About 2 months pre-op, my ENT surgeon Simon Lloyd and Scott suggested that I have an experimental course of Gentamycin injections (which actually is an antibiotic) in my left ear. Strangely, it is also toxic to the auditory nerves so it would ablate (kill off) the balance nerve. While I was fit, I would slowly get used to the lack of balance organ rather than having the big shock at the time of operation and allow my right ear to take over.
I received 3 injections through the ear drum that weren't pleasant, a bit like dental injections as the antibiotic is quite viscous, and had episodes of balance adjustments which though affected work were mild inconveniences rather than distressing.
The tumour was removed in late September at Salford Royal, the facial nerve preserved and I was discharged after 3 days about half the usual stay. There's still a lot of recovery from a big procedure especially with tiredness , but virtually no pain bar a couple of headaches, but I was very grateful not to be having the horrible vertigo, learning to walk issues and sickness that characterise the operation for many patients including those undergoing the procedure at the same hospital at the same time as myself.
I believe the two surgeons are attempting to get a clinical trial set up so further assess the effects of Gentamycin. I would like to thank Scott Rutherford, the Neurosurgeon, a veteran of over 300 of these ops, Simon Lloyd as Cranial base ENT surgeon, the Staff at Manchester ENT clinic in Withington and the staff of Ward H7 at Salford Royal for the excellent care I have received.
It’s now nearly a year on post op. I biked 280 miles across Wales a couple of weeks ago and still play tennis twice a week. I have had to stop work as I was a clinical dentist as the confidence in fine motor skills are not sufficient for my job so I am attempting to get into other forms of teaching dentistry. If I fall off a bike or slip during racquet play, I just damage myself not anyone else. But thanks to the care of the surgical team, I can have a just about normal life which is brilliant. I do have some very minor taste disturbances but have been fortunate in the lack of side effects which reflects well on the surgical team.
Unfortunately I can’t play the piano, but I couldn’t before the operation.
Roger Page
I cannot thank Professor King enough for the expert care he gave me some ten years ago when I was referred to him following complications after the removal of an acoustic neuroma. Nothing was too much trouble for him and every step was explained to me before any treatment was carried out. At one stage urgent attention was required to a severe problem I encountered when he was in the South of England so he immediately gave instructions for treatment to be carried out and returned himself to Cheadle as fast as he could. I was then able to make a good recovery and since then have led a full, active and interesting life.
My husband would also like to add how much he appreciated being kept fully informed of the procedures that were being carried out.
A couple of years ago I had cause for concern so contacted Professor King who very quickly arranged to see me and to carry out various scans. All was well and I remain an exceedingly grateful patient!
In Autumn 2013 I was referred to Mr Scott Rutherford for diagnosis and treatment for the problems I was now experiencing with my balance and loss of muscle power. I already had a long-standing and complex spinal problem that had been stable for over twenty years.
At my first consultation Mr Rutherford quickly put me at ease as he gathered information about my complex medical background and the problems I was now facing. He was thoughtful, methodical, clear and precise but didn’t rush to a diagnosis, which gave me great confidence in him. At my second consultation, following further scans and discussions, Mr Rutherford diagnosed my condition and explained the problem and the surgical solution carefully and very clearly.
Mr Rutherford arranged the admission to hospital quickly and the surgery was scheduled without delay. It was very reassuring to have Mr Rutherford visit me shortly after I returned to the ward to tell me that the operation had been successful and to give me his assessment of the potential outcome. Throughout my stay in hospital he was a regular visitor, checking on progress and giving me reassurance. My recovery was quick and without complications.
In my follow up consultations Mr Rutherford was again, clear, precise and realistic about the longer-term issues I might face. He gave me clear advice about issues to watch out for and what to do in the event of any recurrence. I know that Mr Rutherford will always be available for me to ask any further questions I may have.
In summary, Mr Rutherford with his medical expertise, enabled me to regain my independence and in doing so gained my gratitude and complete trust.
Christine Judd
I have twice had an operation on my back under Professor King's care, on both occasions a discectomy. My experience on the first occasion encouraged me to return to him when I needed further help. On both occasions I was impressed by his viewing of me as a whole person, not just a bad back. He took time to listen to my concerns, and gave me all the time and information I needed to make a decision about what treatment route I should take rather than jumping straight to surgery. After both operations I had excellent care and am now very well. I would have no hesitation in returning to Professor King should I ever need such help again.
Fiona Carley
Dear Mr Rutherford
I am writing to thank you following my surgery for facial microvascular decompression, on 21st May 2014.
I had been suffering for the last 10 years from hemifacial spasm to the right side of my face, this had gradually worsened over time, causing my right eye to close and the whole of the right side to distort. The symptoms were extremely distressing and I was finding this very embarrassing, especially in the working environment.
Although you explained the risks to surgery, it was apparent after trying other remedies without success, this was the only option.
I received excellent treatment from yourself and all the team at Salford Royal Hospital, from my arrival in Pre-op to my discharge. I was kept well informed of the procedure and any likely after effects following surgery.
The operation was a complete success and the facial spasm has stopped, so I am now a much happier and confident person.
I would be very pleased and have no hesitation in recommending you.
Thank you once again.
Allan Berry
I have been under the care of Professor King since being diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in 2008. Despite the enormity of this diagnosis Professor King and his team have been amazing. He has walked me through every step of treatment from surgery and radiotherapy to ongoing annual scans and check ups. Nothing is too small or insignificant and he will always answer even seemingly silly questions and put your mind at ease. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been referred to Professor King initially and really feel that my life is in a very safe pair of hands.
Karen Farrow
'Lasting relief from back pain.' August 2014
Sept. 2013: I was extremely relieved to consult Prof. King at the Alexandra Hospital about my deteriorating back pain condition. Prof. King swiftly put me at ease, listened carefully and reassuringly to my lengthy explanation of my problems. Then, using my M.R.I. scan he explained in some detail the likely causes and possible solutions. I accepted the proposed operation, which took place two weeks later. I was greatly impressed by the confidence I felt in Prof. King and the efficient, professional course of treatment given to me. I was treated with the utmost care, kindness. respect and understanding throughout my treatment by Prof. King and the Alexandra Hospital.
I am very relieved to be generally pain free at my age, and that the operation was so successful after such a brief stay in hospital.
Many thanks.
Margaret Beckenham
I was diagnosed with an acoustic schwannoma (sometimes referred to as a vestibular schwannoma) in the summer of 2011. Unusually the size of the tumour didn't increase but my symptoms were worsening month by month. After a year I therefore agreed with my ENT consultant to have an operation to remove the tumour. He advised me that he would perform this operation with a consultant neurosurgeon and this was when I first met Mr Rutherford.
From our first meeting I was reassured that I was in the most capable hands. This was a surgeon at the pinnacle of his career who inspired the utmost confidence in his expertise. I saw him just before the operation where again he and his colleague were most reassuring. Mr Rutherford came to visit me on the ward every day, sometimes with his team and at other times on his own. He always made me feel that "I" mattered, I was not simply another patient to him. He was extremely kind and understanding. He did not strike me as a surgeon who was only interested in his workmanship but also in the effect it was having on me.
I have seen Mr Rutherford on several occasions since my discharge and he continued to make sure that I had the relevant care whenever a problem arose. This is something quite unusual; he did not dismiss my symptoms, but sought to help me with referrals to the relevant expert. I can now say that 2 years' post op I am feeling like my old self and this is due firstly to the expert operation performed by Mr Rutherford and his colleague but also through the holistic approach to aiding my overall recovery.
If you have the misfortune to need such an operation I can only say that you will be/are indeed fortunate to have Mr Rutherford taking care of you.
I wish you all the best.
Christine M.F. Holland
In September 2005 I was diagnosed with a trigeminal schwannoma. At that time I was living in Cairo were my husband was working on secondment, the Doctor who diagnosed this condition informed me there were few medical professionals who could surgically remove this safely. Fortunately my husband worked for the pharmaceutical company Astrazeneca and the Company Doctor recommended Professor Andrew King.
Professor KIng went to great lengths to explain the complexities of my case and the enormous risks associated with a procedure of this magnitude, nevertheless Proffessor King's patient and friendly manner gave me an assurance that in spite of the risks, I was in competent hands. The procedure took between 8 and 9 hours nevertheless with 3 days I was on my way home. It was not possible to completely remove the tumour however what remained could be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
The aftercare I have received from Prof.King has been thorough and exemplary since I first went to see him in 2005, although my visits are now infrequent I maintain contact with him, which gives me an assurance for the future.
Kaye Astles
I have been fortunate to be a patient of Professor King since 2009 when I had to have surgery for a meningioma. He is a very knowledgeable, professional, compassionate and brilliant surgeon who I would strongly recommend to anyone. The aftercare I am still receiving now is superb with regular appointments to see how I am and he's always contactable if any problems arise.
Due to the length of time of my treatment, he has become more than a consultant, he's become a friend.
Karen Gough