Published on 18 February 2026
Meet Pet Cotterell, an inspiring patient who’s trusted our orthopaedic team not once… but three times. After having her hip and knee replaced within six months in 2015, Pet returned to us in October 2025 for her second hip replacement, and her recovery has been remarkable. Below, Pet shares her journey in her own words.
Pet, you had your first knee replacement and hip replacement back in 2015. How were you feeling at that stage in your life, and what symptoms drove you to seek treatment then?
“I couldn’t walk without a walking stick, I couldn’t get to the shops or carry my shopping, it was really affecting my everyday life - so I was recommended a knee replacement. Six months later, my hip on the opposite side started hurting and I was told that if I didn’t have my hip replaced it would compromise my recent knee replacement, so I had both done within six months.
“10 years on, they're working absolutely fine, no problems and all still in the right position as shown on the x-rays! Fingers crossed my most recent joint replacement will work just as well.”
What symptoms or mobility issues were you experiencing before this most recent hip replacement, and how were they affecting your day to day life?
“My symptoms were very similar to my previous hip and knee symptoms. I couldn’t walk, I was in pain. I think the hardest part was when I couldn’t straighten up when standing. Getting up out of a chair and up and down stairs was difficult, either going up one step at a time, or sometimes I had to go up on all fours because of the pain. Sleeping was difficult because I couldn't get in a good position.
“I knew I needed to get something done, as I love walking and I couldn’t get out and enjoy my walks. Basically, my quality of life wasn't very good.”
Were you offered any non-surgical alternatives before deciding on another hip replacement?
“I was recommended by my GP to have physiotherapy at Benenden Hospital, so I came for six sessions of physio and after three sessions the Physiotherapist and I both decided that the best way forward would be a hip replacement, as my symptoms weren’t improving. Once this decision was made, the Physiotherapist referred me back to my GP.
“My hip surgery was done through an NHS referral. I had the option of ‘Choose and Book’ with my GP, and because of the experiences with my last joint replacements, it was the only choice for me, and I was fortunate to be able to come back.”
Which Consultant did you see for the 2025 surgery, and how did they help you understand your options?
“I first saw Associate Specialist Surgeon, Mr Kumar Reddy, who confirmed after looking at my X-ray that I would need a hip replacement. Then I eventually saw Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Alex Chipperfield, who explained the process and said that there was no other option really for me but to have a hip replacement.”
What was your recovery like after your 2025 hip replacement?
“It was very good. I was booked to spend two nights at Benenden Hospital, but I was out within 24 hours.
“I was up early the following morning, dressed and able to get about with a walking frame. I went and had my x-ray and my blood tests. A Physiotherapist came to my room and made sure I was comfortable getting up and down the stairs. After a final assessment, I was told everything was fine and I could go home.”
How has your quality of life changed since the surgery? Are there things you’re now able to do more comfortably?
“I can walk better. Getting up and out of the chair is much easier. I wasn't able to do that before my surgery. But I'm hoping once the weather improves that we can get back to going out into the countryside on our five- or six-mile walks, two or three times a week. In February 2025 I went on my first five-mile walk around London!”
How would you describe your hospital experience?
“I would describe Benenden Hospital as welcoming, friendly and professional. I can't fault it for support and communication. 10 years ago, my operations were done before the new hospital was built (refurbished in 2017). But there is no change in the care and attention and the services provided; excellent!”
Struggling with hip or knee pain? Discover your treatment options
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- Benenden Health membership – If your treatment is on the approved list of procedures, you can request access by calling Benenden Health on 0300 304 5700
- NHS referral – speak to your GP about being referred to our award winning hospital