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Meet Dr. Lucas Kleijn - Hip Operations Specialist

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Alan Cotter

  • Hip Replacement
  • 31/07/2025
Alan Cotter – Hip Replacement

10 Months After Hip Replacement with Healthcare Abroad – Q&A with Alan in Mayo

Q: What have you been able to get back doing since the surgery?
A: I gave myself some goals. One was to get back on a bicycle. The physios had me on one two days post-op and it made me tear up, as I physically couldn’t cycle for the last three years. Then it was the rowing machine. I’m an avid gym-goer, and I’m starting to shift some heavy tin these days. A couple of weeks back I did Croagh Patrick—besides the physical exhaustion, it was pain-free. Oh, and more importantly, I can tie my shoelaces! 😄
Q: What treatment did you get with Healthcare Abroad?
A: I had a hip replacement via the anterior approach in HCB Dénia.
Q: How was your experience?
A: Flawless.
Q: Were you sceptical at any stage?
A: I would be lying if I said no. All I could think of was “Turkey teeth”, but once I got over to Spain and met other patients who had multiple positive interactions with Healthcare Abroad, I knew this was the real deal.
Q: Did you meet many other patients?
A: It’s hard not to, everyone is on crutches and you just get chatting, and you’re travelling with them to physio daily. Surprisingly, a lot of people were from Mayo—and that’s where I’m living these days.
Q: Describe how you felt one year ago vs today.
A: My confidence is tenfold. I’m enjoying doing things with my family and kids that I physically couldn’t do before.
Q: What would you say to somebody thinking about getting surgery abroad?
A: Just do it. Pick up the phone, even if it’s just to get more information. I’ve heard countless people being told in Ireland they are too young for this kind of surgery. One of the first things Dr. Kleijn told me was, “It’s about quality of life, not age”—and that has stuck with me.
Q: Describe your experience in one sentence.
A: Flawless, life-changing, stress-free—and I was so impressed, I’m booked in to get my second hip done this September.
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Any treatment that is available publicly in Ireland can be accessed under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive. As Ireland’s leading cross border treatment facilitator, Healthcare Abroad have already helped over 2000 Irish patients access comprehensive medical treatment in as little as 20 days, explore your options today.

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