Erin Kelleher
- Knee Reconstruction
- 14/05/2025
"I'm back walking after one week – I'm delighted I made the call"
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“I’ve been dealing with this for years—being given painkillers everyday day just to manage the pain. After the ACL surgery at 18, I never regained full range of motion. I couldn’t play football anymore, at 18 my playing days were already over, that’s tough to take. Over time, the knee just got worse. They told me I was too young for a replacement, so I was left in pain, my knee degenerating while they just kept prescribing me pain medication.”
John Behan, from Dublin, endured years of frustration and pain after a failed ACL reconstruction at 16 left his knee in a deteriorating state. Misdiagnoses, dismissals, and endless painkillers became his reality until he turned to Healthcare Abroad for a solution.
“When I got here, they told me the truth—the ACL graft had failed, and the knee had been left to deteriorate for years. I was furious but also relieved to finally be getting it fixed.”
John had his knee replaced and started an intensive aftercare program in Spain.
“The care here is unbelievable. Back home, you’re just a number. Over here, the team treats you like a person. The consultant actually explained everything to me and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way.
“The physio is on another level – two sessions a day, and I’m collected and brought to and from the clinic. It’s intense, but every day I feel stronger. At home, I’d be struggling to even find a physio, let alone get there without being able to drive after surgery.”
For the first time in over a decade, John is living without daily painkillers.
“I stopped taking painkillers a week after the surgery. That’s the first time in over ten years I haven’t needed them. My head is clearer, and I feel like I’m finally getting my life back.”
“I coach football, and I’m excited to return fully to the pitch, not just limping around. By this time next year, I’ll have my full range of motion and finally be able to enjoy it again. If I’d known how incredible Healthcare Abroad was, I’d have done this years ago.”
If you’re stuck on waiting lists or being told to “wait it out,” Don’t. Call 012678011 or visit the Healthcare Abroad website to read more success stories like John’s. Take control of your health today!
"I'm back walking after one week – I'm delighted I made the call"
Read Their Story"People were surprised I was coming to Spain for my surgery. Now that I've been, I'm surprised more people aren't coming—this is how healthcare should be operating."
Read Their Story"I Would 100% Recommend Healthcare Abroad for Sports Surgeries"
Read Their Story“I’ll be back playing scrum half this year instead of 2029 thanks to this ACL treatment and Healthcare Abroad."
Read Their Story"Living in Howth, I couldn’t even walk down the hill because of my injury. Every step felt like my knee would give way, so I had to rely on lifts and shoulders to lean on. It was humiliating. I used to love going to Dublin football games, but the pain made walking and standing so awkward - it was embarrassing.
Read Their Story“Physio here was a game-changer. In Ireland, physio felt rushed and painful. But in Spain, it was more advanced and tailored. The approach was gentle and effective—no pain barriers, just steady progress. A week after surgery, I was walking without crutches, something I couldn’t even imagine after my previous operations.”
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