About a year ago, our hip replacement patient Tony came to Gijos Klinikos for his surgery. We documented his journey from start to finish, and patients immediately warmed to him:

Tony has been keeping us updated regularly, and we couldn’t be happier to see how life has treated him since. Recently, he sent us a heartwarming update, and we wanted to share it with you all!

How has it been? 

Written by Tony Reah

After learning about the possibility of getting a hip replacement done in Lithuania in late July 2023, I emailed Karolis at Wellness Travels and flew to Vilnius within 2 weeks. The procedure was done by doctor Linas and rehab followed. I made it back home through London and onto a train with one stick and pulling a suitcase. Much to my family’s surprise. The great job the team at Gijos Klinkos continued to show benefits and continued improvement. I was without support in a week or so and continued as much of Vi’s physio as I was equipped for about 4 months. Throughout those months my daily walking and work increased in duration and scope.

In October I went to Shrewsbury by train with my wife, Sue, and spent a few days walking around and sightseeing. In November we went to North Wales on a coach trip and walked around Conwy, Llandudno, Chester, and Caernarfon. Over the winter I continued working and also built a train set for my grandchildren. In March we went to Blackpool by train and walked the promenade, the town, and parkland around our hotel. In June we did another coach trip to Devon and walked around Sidmouth, Plymouth, and Torquay. This time much more extensively for 4 or 5 hours each day. The scope of working activities continued to increase. Plenty of exercise that way. Ladder work, gardening, and work on our egg packing room.

Then in Aug I got my bike out and went out cycling with 2 of my grandsons for 8 miles. The first time in nearly 8 years. A few weeks later I went again. Stopped in the pub on the way. In October we went on a coach trip to Newcastle and Sunderland. We walked a lot. It was nostalgia for me. I was born in Sunderland and attended university in Newcastle. Well, that was just over a year of continuing a range of activities and improving flexibility and reach.

I can’t really find a way to adequately express how much that hip replacement has meant to me and my family. A huge thank you to everyone at Gijos Klinikos who made it possible. I started to put this note together and some pictures to support it back in October. It has taken 3 months as I have been working in the chicken sheds refurbishing for sometimes 10 to 12 hours a day. Extremely busy. All on my feet and active. It has been 4 or 5 years since I was last able to do it.

Thanks again. Best wishes to all at Gijos Klinikos and the lucky patients who come to you.

Tony Reah, 2 Jan 2025.