UPDATE: A woman from Wales has revealed she saved over £10,000 by traveling to Lithuania for a life-changing knee surgery after enduring years of pain from a serious car accident. Susie Marks, a 59-year-old teacher from Cardiff, underwent a robotic-assisted knee replacement, reclaiming her mobility and quality of life.
Marks was in a catastrophic car crash in 2017, which left her with severe injuries, including six broken ribs and a damaged sternum. Initially unaware of her knee injury, she later discovered that the pain was worsening due to arthritis. “I was desperate,” she said. “I couldn’t walk anywhere without taking painkillers.”
After years of frustration, Marks discovered Nordorthopaedics, a specialist hospital in Lithuania, through a patient support group with positive reviews. The communication with the clinic was prompt and thorough, leading her to book surgery for the summer holidays.
The revolutionary robotic-assisted surgery resulted in minimal swelling and bruising, defying her expectations. “I had to heal, of course, but it was incredible,” she exclaimed. Marks completed eight days of daily physiotherapy, achieving a knee bend of 120 degrees within just nine days post-surgery.
The total cost for the surgery, physiotherapy, accommodation, and transport was approximately £10,000, compared to the UK’s quoted £20,000 for a standard knee replacement without physiotherapy. Marks highlighted the limitations she faced with the NHS, stating she was deemed “too young” for a procedure that could dramatically improve her life.
“There’s no pain at all now, and it’s just getting better and better,” Marks said, describing her experience in Lithuania as “life-changing.” She plans to return next year for a second knee replacement, citing the incredible care and high success rates she encountered.
The influx of British patients at the clinic signifies a growing trend of individuals seeking medical treatments abroad, often driven by the pressures on the NHS. Marks emphasized the urgent need for the UK healthcare system to recognize the importance of timely treatment for working-age patients in pain.
“The structured, supportive model in Lithuania is something the UK could learn from,” she noted, illustrating the comprehensive aftercare she received, including daily physiotherapy and on-call nursing support.
As more patients like Susie Marks turn to international healthcare options, this case raises critical questions about the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services in the UK. The demand for timely and effective treatment is more pressing than ever, prompting many to seek alternatives that promise immediate results.
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