Cork woman who travelled abroad for surgeries says treatment changed her life

A Cork woman who travelled to Spain for medical treatment has described how two surgeries - one for a knee replacement and another for weight loss - have completely transformed her life.

Jennifer Curran, 58, of Dunmanway, had suffered for years with chronic knee pain and struggled with her weight, but long waiting lists and high private costs in Ireland left her searching for alternatives.

“At the start of 2023, I heard an interview on the radio about people going abroad for surgery,” she said. “I looked it up online and made a few phone calls. A week later, I had it booked.”

Jennifer travelled with Healthcare Abroad under the European Union Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, a scheme that allows Irish patients to receive medical treatment in another EU country and claim reimbursement from the HSE.

“I didn’t know much about it before, but once I started looking into it, I couldn’t believe more people weren’t doing it,” she said.

Jennifer’s knee problems had been ongoing for nearly seven years, making everyday life more and more difficult.

“I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, so they kept putting it down to that, just giving me injections and hoping for the best,” she explained. “But the pain was excruciating. I couldn’t go for a walk, I was in constant pain - even on holidays, it was awful.”

Despite being on strong painkillers for arthritis, they didn’t touch the pain in her knee.

“Out of 10? It was a 10,” she said.

However, the waiting list for surgery in Ireland was daunting.

“I waited three years just to see a consultant, and when I finally did, he said, ‘You need a total knee replacement, but you could be waiting three or four years’.

Jennifer was forced to look at other options.

“I priced it in Northern Ireland, and it was €17,500 for just one knee. That was out of the question.”

Then, she was shocked to discover that she could get the same surgery in Spain for €11,500 and be treated within weeks.

“You take out a credit union loan, the HSE reimburses you in about three months, and you just pay the small bit of interest in the meantime,” she explained.

Jennifer had a great experience in Spain.

“The hospital was fantastic. Nearly all the staff spoke perfect English, and they were well used to seeing Irish patients.

“From the minute you make the phone call to when you leave, they look after you.”

She stayed in Spain for two weeks to complete physiotherapy.

“I had physio twice a day, and they made sure I was on the right track before I went home. The relief was immediate,” she said.

Throughout her health struggles, Jennifer had the support of her partner, Peter Murphy, who was by her side through both procedures.

“Peter was brilliant. He came with me to Spain, and the way everything was organised made it so easy for him too.

“The drivers brought him to the hospital whenever he wanted to visit me, and they brought him back to the hotel after.

“It took a lot of stress out of the whole thing.”

Jennifer also had encouragement from her family, though they were scattered across the world.

“I have three daughters - two in England and one in New Zealand. They say I have way more energy than before. Even on the phone, they can tell I’m happier.”

After the success of her knee surgery, Jennifer made another life-changing decision - to undergo bariatric surgery, also known as gastric bypass, to help with weight loss.

“I was severely overweight, at 17 stone, and had struggled with it all my life,” she said.

However, her experience with the Irish healthcare system had suffered some frustration.

“They send you to a dietitian and tell you to ‘move back from the table’. People don’t respect obesity. It’s not taken seriously as a medical issue.”

Once again, Jennifer travelled to Spain, this time in November, 2023, and had the surgery at the same hospital where she had her knee replacement.

“It was great to go back and know what to expect,” she said.

The surgery cost €12,500, and the results were dramatic.

“I’ve lost six stone since then. I feel fantastic,” said Jennifer.

Now, her life is unrecognisable compared to a year ago.

“I can shop in the normal shops! It’s much easier and clothes are less expensive.

“I go walking, sea swimming, aqua aerobics - I walk the dog!” she laughed.

She has also returned to one of her favourite pastimes - swimming at Tragumna Beach, near Skibbereen.

One of the biggest concerns people have about travelling abroad for surgery is the fear of the unknown, but Jennifer says it was one of the best decisions she ever made.

“It was absolutely incredible. You’re looked after from start to finish,” she said.

“My only advice to people would be: don’t be afraid to go for it. It could change your life, just like it changed mine. Make the phone call.”