11/04/2026
Rupert update following appointment at Fitzpatricks on Tuesday. Rupert was booked in for surgery on both elbows and possibly one hip, subject to further in-depth scans. My budget covered this and I made them aware this was the maximum amount I had.
Unfortunately, the news following the scans was not as expected. I’ll try and explain it in simple terms, as opposed to the medical terminology!
The scans on his elbows showed the crack in the bone (which I was originally told would fracture in the short term) was now not considered severe enough to have to be screwed. So that sounded good news. However, it was recommended to make a custom plate for each elbow to shift the weight correctly to prevent further damage.
The scans on his hips showed his right hip was completely dislocated (as I had suspected) and his left hip wasn’t far off. I’ve attached a copy of the scan showing this. Fitzpatricks recommendation was to make a custom hip replacement for his right hip. The alternative was FHO surgery which was not discussed in detail.
It was pointed out to me that these custom implants were outside my financial capabilities. I didn’t ask how much they were, there was no point.
So, after a very expensive and disappointing trip, we are still no further on. Although as Mr Positive Will said, we have in-depth images now! We’ve got an appointment at Swanbridge next Thursday to discuss in detail Fitzpatricks report and decide from there whether to use Gainsborough Referrals or Franks (I can’t keep travelling to Surrey). My thoughts are for him to have FHO surgery. I’m not bothered if he has a slight limp, or altered gait, I just want him out of pain. When I know which specialist to use, and once his hips are sorted, I can consider the options for his elbows. We may be able to manage it without surgery, or at least hold off until his insurance renews!
On a positive note, he is still off the steroids and generally seems a lot livelier/playful than when he was on them. Fitzpatricks did further tests for the IMPA and it wasn’t conclusive. The mild inflammation could possibly just be due to the hip/elbow disease. He has now got very scabby skin though since tapering off the steroids, so will discuss this with Swanbridge next Thursday.
Think that’s about it!! Thanks again so much for all your support, Rupert sends lot of love 💙💙
