My name is Hazel Hughes and I am 52 and 2 days old!

I had polio when 18 months old, which left me with a short, weak left leg. I have worn a full length calliper most of my life but have not needed sticks or crutches until recently when my left hip, which has always been unstable, began to protest at its lot.

My GP referred me to Mr.O'Hara in September and I had my first appointment on March 16th 2004 when he told me he could stop my hip dislocating, he could make my legs the same length in the process whilst also getting my toes to point in the right direction. Oh yes! And there would be no pain! As you can imagine I was somewhat sceptical having lived with most of these problems for a very long time.

I am no spring chicken (though in hip terms I am clearly still a young thing.) My operation was 9 weeks ago. Apart from my adverse reaction to the morphine (which I didn't need anyway as there was very little pain!) I came through with no problems. I was up the day after my operation using two crutches and taking toe weight through my operated leg.

To begin with I knew my leg was longer because the muscles felt too short! I also felt as if the Birmingham Hip was grinding when I moved. Gradually over about six weeks both these symptoms disappeared - I assume the muscles had stretched. I also found I had regained the use of muscles in the front of my leg which I didn't even know I had!

I am still not weight bearing, as the break in the femur has to heal. However I am able to get about and do most things with the use of crutches. (Sadly though I have discovered that hoovering is not a good idea!) I teach in a special school and am returning to work in January on two crutches as I feel I can't justify luxuriating at home any longer!

I am only very occasionally in discomfort now - usually because I have moved stupidly. My hip joint feels very solid and secure. I can already put on my socks and shoes unaided and cut my own toenails! I am looking forward to being told very soon that I can weight bear again and finding out what it is like to walk with two legs that are same length! But being out of pain is wonderful - I feel years younger! So thank you.