Patient stories: Some of our patient's share their experiences to help others undergoing medical treatment

A perfect match: How Lister Fertility Clinic helped two fathers-to-be

Paul McFadden is sitting in his home in Belfast, with his husband Neil and their beautiful three-month-old son Felix, talking about their journey to fatherhood – a journey that the Lister Fertility Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK, accompanied them on.

Justine’s story

“I would have considered myself to be extremely well-informed about ovarian cancer symptoms because a number of risk factors applied to me, I knew what to look out for. But even so, in hindsight I know I missed things or explained them away. When I look back, I think maybe I should have taken action a little bit earlier.”

Nikki's story

“I didn’t feel I could go to the doctor and just say I was tired…”

Nikki had been feeling much more tired than usual, was experiencing some mild back pain, and had noticed she was bloated, but it was when her period lasted for over two weeks that she became concerned and went to see her GP. Shortly after, in June 2023, she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, aged 44.

Getting back on board: Sarah-Jane’s return from knee injury

It was when she slipped on the dancefloor at an office party that 38-year-old Sarah-Jane finally realised something wasn’t right with her knee. A keen skateboarder and tennis player, Sarah-Jane had always led an active lifestyle, but never thought much about injuries.

There’s no place like home: An intestinal failure success story

Jon Ashby, 58, is recalling his referral for surgery a little over 10 years ago. Having lived with Crohn's disease of the small intestine for most of his life, he was showing signs of intestinal failure (IF) and was becoming dangerously malnourished.

Kriti’s story. Knee reconstruction for the bride-to-be

As Kriti Singh stepped off the dance floor at her thirtieth birthday party in Varanasi, India, she felt a sharp pain in her right knee. With a ten-year history of knee trouble, this didn’t bode well. Kriti knew straight away something wasn’t right, but what was really worrying was that this was supposed to be her ‘good’ knee

How knee surgery got one avid skier back on the slopes

After three months of hard work and dedication to her rehab exercises, Gaëlle’s pain hadn’t got any better and some of her movements were still significantly restricted, so her physio suggested she see a specialist, Mr Simon Thompson, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, at The Lister Hospital, who specialises in ACL and revision ACL surgery.

Mike’s story: Decades of pain, resolved in weeks

When Mike injured his knee, he decided to seek specialist advice after receiving a recommendation. In April 2022, he met with orthopaedic surgeon Mr Simon Thompson at The Lister Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, to explore his treatment options.

Nicola’s story: An unexpected diagnosis

In March 2023, Nicola, 63, took on a new exercise and diet regime with the aim of losing weight she’d gained during the COVID-19 lockdown. The weight was starting to come off and Nicola lost a stone and a half, but despite her best efforts, she couldn’t seem to shift the weight on her tummy.

My sarcoma journey: A story of personal transformation

When 30-year-old Salma Kadry first learned that a rare facial tumour had grown back, less than a year after completing intensive treatment, the news was devastating – both for her and her family. Here Salma shares her treatment experience with for an aggressive cancerous lesion.

Adrian's story: A perforated gallbladder

Adrian was on a three-month vacation with his wife, travelling across Europe, when he began to feel pain on the upper right-hand side of his stomach whilst staying in Scotland. His final leg of the journey took him to London, after speaking to his travel insurer, he was authorised to see a specialist at HCA Healthcare UK. Adrian had perforated his gallbladder and would need surgery immediately to fix it.

Charles' Story: Why early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is important

"Pancreatic cancer is particularly aggressive, so those early warning signs are critical. If you become suddenly jaundiced or suddenly start losing weight, if you become diabetic, if you’ve got family history, or you have a pain just below the ribs and/or in the mid or lower back, you need to act. You need to go and see your doctor."

Vanessa's story: Being diagnosed with blood cancer

In 2010 Vanessa was diagnosed with myeloma - an incurable type of blood cancer - after seeking medical help for severe back pain, which she initially assumed was an injury from climbing; a hobby she had taken up earlier in the year. This year, Vanessa was amongst the first patients in the UK to be treated with the latest breakthrough treatment – Teclistamab; a type of immunotherapy known as a bispecific antibody.

Valerie's story: Seeking a second opinion

Valerie was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in 2014 after noticing a swelling on her thigh, and was treated with radiotherapy and surgery at her local hospital. Two years later, after noticing a lump on her back, Valerie’s cancer was confirmed to have spread to her spine. At this point she decided to seek a second opinion, to see if any other treatment options could be explored.

Michael's story: Aortic Aneurysm, how complex is it?

75-year-old Michael from Yorkshire received a reminder from his GP that people over 65 should undergo routine screening for aneurysms. Michael’s screening results came back as a shock. "I had my scans and they found that I had a particularly complex condition. I had two aneurysms which were at risk of rupturing. One of them was a large one at the top of my stomach, near my chest, and another one was lower down, near the bottom of my stomach."

Safia's story: Her positive birthing experiences at The Portland Hospital

Safia had her first healthy baby with The Portland in 2014 and she was so happy with the experience, that she decided to come back again in 2018 and then recently, in 2020. Here, she shares her positive birthing experience at the hospital, across all three births, and talks through how the team put her and her partner at ease throughout.

Saleem's story: "Time is of the essence with my heart, as I have diabetes"

Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life. At the beginning of 2023, Saleem scheduled a health assessment at his local clinic. His ultrasound and ECG results showed a serious heart abnormality. 

Georgia's story and her scoliosis journey

Georgia, a 12-year-old girl from Bath and patient at The Portland Hospital, has raised an incredible £6,000 (and counting!) for scoliosis charities by drumming for 10 hours straight on Scoliosis Awareness Day. Georgia decided to do a Drumathon for Scoliosis UK and The British Scoliosis Research Foundation to raise awareness and funds for research and support for people with scoliosis. Watch Georgi's drumming video here.

An unexpected melanoma diagnosis for husband and wife

Several months after noticing an unusual spot on the back of his arm Paul was diagnosed with melanoma, the least common but most serious form of skin cancer. Just six months later, after finding an unusual spot on her forearm, Paul’s wife Christine was also diagnosed with melanoma. Here, Paul and Christine speak about their experience at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK, and highlight the importance of protecting your skin and acting quickly if you notice something new or unusual.

Emilie's concussion story

"I just want to warn people they shouldn’t underestimate it," says 17-year-old Emilie. "Concussion can be really serious. I would urge people to get checked out as soon as possible, not just to 'wait and see'."

Swimmer overcomes atrial fibrillation with gold medal glory

Andrew, 58, has always been a competitive swimmer and is a winner at the Royal Navy Masters Open competition. What’s remarkable is he won these medals after heart surgery.

Rhiannon’s courage: Recovering after scoliosis surgery

Read more of Rhiannon's experience of her spinal surgery at The Portland Hospital. 

From painkillers to pain-free: Michael’s hip replacements

Michael shares his story about his hip replacements at HCA UK's The London Hip Unit. 

Robot-assisted hernia surgery for a patient

Leading Consultant General Surgeon, Mr Charles Evans is trained in robotic surgical techniques, here one of his patient's shares their experience of undergoing robotic surgery for a hernia. 

Hana's recovery: Roaring back from a serious knee injury

Hana was a fearsome player on the pitch, but her commitment came at a price. In 2018 she tore her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and was seen by Mr Simon Thompson. 

An Olympian effort: Chris’ fast-track to recovery

Chris' steely determination to constantly exceed people’s expectations has worked for him so far. Follow his journey with Professor Len Funk.

How hip replacement changes after a decade

Eric has had two hip replacements in his life, about a decade apart, and he’s been impressed by the change in the experience. 

A cure for ankle pain: Jane’s road to recovery

Read more about Jane's ankle surgery and recovery with renowned London Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Andew Goldberg. 

Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery

Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, enjoying everything from fly fishing to pole dancing in her spare time, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.

“I didn’t realise how much my heart palpitations were affecting me”

How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health  

Mimi’s story: Scoliosis surgery at 58 degrees

Tamara first noticed something wasn't quite right with Mimi’s back during the pandemic, when Mimi was 14. "One of her hips was slightly higher than the other and her shoulder blade stuck out as well." When they finally got to see the GP, he said it was scoliosis straight away. Read Mimi's story about being diagnosed with scoliosis and the surgical treatment for misalignment.

Esteban's story: How ankle surgery saved a life

Esteban shares his story. The whole process, from initial X-ray to preparation for ankle surgery, had taken just a few hours, and this was to prove vital – but there was one more unexpected twist to come. The surgery revealed the presence of an enormous blood clot that could have cost him much more than his mobility. 

Millie's story: Still hula hooping after scoliosis surgery

Millie’s parents first noticed a small hunch when Millie was 13 years old. They recognised it as possible scoliosis and took her to the GP, but they weren’t prepared for how severe it turned out to be.

David's story: A new hip and straight back into the spin of things

David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.

Andrew's story: Knee replacement with Mako robotic technology

Golf Professional Andrew share's his treatment journey and his experience of a knee replacement undertaken using the Mako robot

Michael's Mako Hip Surgery

73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and Charity Worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. By March 2021, his mobility was severely affected, with ebbs and flows of intensity, but always present and impeding. He found Professor Richard Field through a recommendation and therefore, The Lister Hospital. Michael shares his story and explains why this surgery was so important.

Richard’s impressive recovery following his robotic prostate cancer surgery

Richard shares his experience following his robotic prostate surgery

Mike's story: 'Don't die of embarrassment'

60-year-old Mike from Buckinghamshire had been having regular annual health check-ups, but also used the NHS FIT kit in July.  He received the result very quickly and was told that his screening showed traces of blood. After having multiple scans and tests over the next 20 days, doctors soon discovered that Mike had developed bowel cancer.

David's story: double knee replacement

David underwent a double knee replacement with the Mako robot and talks about his experience

Ruth's spinal surgery story

When Mr Robert Lee (consultant spinal surgeon) first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take. He thought there must have been a mix up with the imaging. Ruth and her husband Roger were both patients of Mr Lee, and both their scans showed signs of the same degenerative condition in exactly the same places in the back. 

John's carcinoma diagnosis and treatment

68-year old retired investment banker John first realised something was wrong when he detected a lump on the side of neck

Jack's spinal scoliosis story

Jack’s mother Jaime noticed his shoulder blades were slightly uneven in March 2020, at the start of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. After being faced with a long wait for a referral, a chance recommendation led Jaime to turn to The Portland Hospital. Here Jaime shares their story and explain why this surgery was so important.

Raymond's cardiac surgery

First-time visit to the UK for complex cardiac surgery

Antonia's chronic endometriosis

Antonia shares her story of how her endometriosis has been managed by specialists

‘I thought I’d never dive again’

How life-saving hole-in-the-heart surgery helped Aithne return to the pastime she loves

The story behind clinical trials: Sezgin’s story so far

Since 2012, Sezgin Hick has been receiving treatment following a late-stage ovarian cancer diagnosis. After surgery and different combinations of chemotherapy, her cancer was no longer responding to standard therapies. It was at this point Sezgin’s consultant recommended a Phase 1 clinical trial

Elida's story: My birthing experience

Elida shares her story about giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic

James' heart surgery story

How a health kick revealed a serious heart condition 

"Truly remarkable" kidney surgery: Jeff’s story

After seeing his GP for a routine check-up, and being referred for further tests, Jeff was stunned to discover that he in fact had been living with kidney cancer for several years.

David's story: Life-saving heart surgery

David tells his story about needing a triple heart bypass, during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ingrid's scoliosis surgery

How life-changing scoliosis surgery gave Ingrid the opportunity to get back to the activities she loved

Roger's story: Surgery for an enlarged prostate

Roger share's his story about undergoing Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) at The Princess Grace Hospital. 

Joyce's endometriosis and fertility story

15 years after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Joyce was devastated to discover her symptoms were caused by endometriosis – a condition which, left untreated, can affect fertility.

Susan's heart health journey

Susan talks about about being diagnosed with a heart rhythm problem called atrial flutter. 

Nick's story

Getting back on my feet after a rare thymoma diagnosis.

Johanna's story

Five years cancer free, thanks to revolutionary cancer surgery.

Danielle's story

No matter how old you are, or how fit and healthy you appear, if something doesn’t feel right get checked.

Carol and Pinja share their skin cancer stories

'I didn't realise how serious skin cancer could be'

Living with lynch syndrome

Mo was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer back in 2014, shortly before his 32nd birthday. Mo share's his story about living with lynch syndrome and how he approaches his future. 

Keith's story: Time-critical surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

Keith shares his story of receiving time-critical surgery from The Princess Grace Hospital team who partnered with the NHS

Katie's story: A life with endometriosis

Katie shares her experience of being diagnosed with and endometriosis and shares information about living with endometriosis.

Chantel's breast cancer experience

Chantal shares why she chose to have a preventative double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery

Robert's diagnosis received virtually

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period, many patients saw a GP or consultant virtually. Five months after successful surgery to remove the growth, Robert speaks to us about his experience.

Julie's scoliosis journey

When Julie was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of seven, her case was already more complex than most.

Lucy's caesarean delivery

When Lucy and her husband Ben found out their baby was in breech position they knew they needed to reconsider their plan for a natural birth.

John's prostate cancer diagnosis

An annual health check with a GP identified my prostate cancer

Krystina and Mario's story - 100th NHS baby born at The Portland Hospital

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the consequent need to free up capacity in NHS hospitals to treat patients with COVID-19, Krystina was transferred to The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK – something that was made possible due to a ground-breaking partnership between the independent sector and the NHS.  

Sarah's specialist surgery for rare sciatic endometriosis

“It was like they were talking about me - it finally linked my painful periods to the sciatic symptoms, and it made sense.”

Tom's specialist complex urology surgery

Tom was born with an extremely rare form of the condition, called perineal hypospadias. Tom's mother Claire shares their story about a complete perineal hypospadias repair

Alice and Aaron's fertility treatment

After being told they would never have children, Alice and Aaron turned to the Lister Fertility Clinic.

Richard's prostate cancer story

After a routine health assessment with health insurance provider Bupa, Richard Eaton was shocked to discover that he had stage IIIA prostate cancer.