Testimonials
The patient
Lynsey was 34 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. She underwent three surgeries including a mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes and procedures on her legs.
She suffered from nausea, stomach pain, mucositis, change of food taste, skin sensitivity and rashes, damaged fingernails and toenails, bladder irritation, fatigue, tiredness, chemobrain, stress and anxiety, hair loss, runny nose, watery eyes and nose bleeds.
She was unable to walk, stand up and sit down or get into a bath. There was no post operative physiotherapy support offered by the NHS. A previously positive and upbeat person, she lost her confidence and was embarrassed by her lack of mobility and physical symptoms when in public.
Her life and outlook changed dramatically when she came under the care of Appleclinic4U (the operating name of Prehab 2 Rehab in 2021). Lynsey said:
“This support meant that I wasn’t going into a hospital environment, which was so important. I didn’t dread going for help.
“He listened carefully and crafted an individualised programme for me. I didn’t have this support when I went into my first surgery but did before numbers two and three.
“The difference was amazing. He gave me emotional, nutritional and physical support and built my resilience, so I knew what to expect and was in a good place mentally to accept what was about to happen.”
The cancer carer
Speaking of the services offered by Prehab 2 Rehab, Laura Hadley-Stove Director of Care Services at Beatson, West of Scotland Cancer Centre said:
“Patients have better outcomes if they have healthier bodies, diet and mindset.
“Prehab to Rehab ‘scoops them up’ and produces a framework to improve these goals. Some patients need surgery ASAP, but this isn’t possible due to their other health conditions. Prehab to Rehab can speed things up for them.
“Staff have been excited to report amazing physical changes and mobility with patients able to walk, make a cup of tea, walk down a corridor as well as becoming more animated and interested.
“The NHS is a stressful place to be, and this helps the staff as well as the patients and their families.”
The clinician
Professor Tara Quasim, MBE – Professor of Anaesthesia at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Clinical Academic at University of Glasgow said:
“There is a need that the NHS just can’t fulfil. This programme of prehabilitation and rehabilitation doesn’t require health care professionals, just their advice. This way, people won’t go through cancer diagnosis and treatment alone. Someone cares and will help them through the stress. Nurturing patients through this experience is valuable. It’s also much cheaper than other therapies and treatments like physiotherapy. Prehab2Rehab can turn a crisis into something positive.”
Addressing the reality of the limitations faced by the NHS, Professor Tara Quasim, MBE – Professor of Anaesthesia at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Clinical Academic at University of Glasgow said:
“There is a need that the NHS just can’t fulfil.
“This programme of prehabilitation and rehabilitation doesn’t require health care professionals, just their advice.
“This way, people won’t go through cancer diagnosis and treatment alone. Someone cares and will help them through the stress.
“Nurturing patients through this experience is valuable. It’s also much cheaper than other therapies and treatments like physiotherapy.
“Prehab 2 Rehab can turn a crisis into something positive.”