Torn rotator cuff operation in Latvia

Stuart Howie LLb(hons), MSc, MCIOB, MAPM, AIEH from Coventry slipped and fell, dislocating his shoulder in March 06.  Although it went back under his own manipulations, he still went to his local A & E Department and a month later without any thorough examination and without a consultation with a consultant, he was discharged and told he was fine.  However over the next six months he was in a lot of pain, sleeping only for an hour-at-a-time at night so his G.P. referred him to a specialist consultant.  When he was diverted to yet another physiotherapist he and his wife decided that they would combine their annual holiday with a consultation in Riga, Latvia instead.  At the hospital in Riga, it took Dr. Zatlers just two minutes to diagnose a torn rotator cuff, which the CS and MRI scans also confirmed. 

Said Mr Howie:  "The hospital in Riga was charming, each building was small and dedicated to its specialism with spacious grounds which were ideal for convalescence.  The wards were clean and my consultant, Dr. Zatlers, is highly regarded internationally.  He had spent time at Yale and spoke fluent English so I decided to have my surgery there and then with no reservations about the competence, skill and caring nature of the staff. 

"After my post operative recuperation treatment in the UK (which I had to fight for), after four months I have full mobility in my shoulder (the NHS said this would be six months), and full strength is expected in another two to three months, though the NHS said 12!  I remain in touch with the staff of AEP (UK), Aviteks Balticas and with Dr. Zatlers and Sigita, my English-speaking nurse.  My wife and I found the Latvians very friendly; and I had no reservations about my wife’s safety left alone in the Albert Hotel for a week.  The care and attention I received in the hospital were of a level we have forgotten in the UK and the skill and after-care given by my consultant were superb.  We plan on taking next year’s holiday in Latvia so that we can see more of the country and will book our holiday through Paul at AEP (UK).

Patient story supplied by Baltic Link, Latvia.

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