At six months of age I was diagnosed with a congenitally dislocated hip. I had to wait until I was twelve months old when I was put on traction for two weeks to make my bones more supple so I could undergo an open reduction operation.

After the operation I was put in plaster from my waist to my knees, hoping this was going to cure the problem. When the plaster was removed and I had my next x-ray, the procedure was not as successful as had been hoped.

At the age of eighteen months, I had another operation to insert nuts and bolts to hold the bones in place. When these were removed everything seemed to have gone well. I went for regular check-ups. In July 2002 I was discharged from my local hospital.

By Christmas 2002 I started experiencing a lot of pain in my back and groin. I went back to the hospital, where I was referred to Mr O'Hara at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. An x-ray was taken, which showed my ball joint was barely in my socket, as my socket was very underdeveloped. Mr O'Hara explained that I needed a triple osteotomy operation to correct the problem. If this was not corrected this time round, I may have ended up in a wheelchair. I was a little worried but knew this was the last chance.

Much to my surprise I was admitted to the hospital in a couple of months. All the staff were very helpful as they explained what would be happening and they answered any questions and worries I had. The following day I had the operation, which took about three hours. I felt very numb when I started to recover, but knew this was because of the epidural anaesthetic I had been given. I was taken back to the ward where I stayed for a week. I had no pain and after a couple of days I was walking with a frame.

Since being discharged I have really felt the benefit of having the operation. I have no pain and I am able to do everything I want including dancing the night away! My next challenge is to conquer skiing. I am so grateful to Mr O'Hara and his team and all the nursing staff for their expertise and care. I would recommend anyone who needs this operation to go ahead and have it done. The benefits are enormous and you will not regret it.