A former nurse who was left suffering from crippling arthritis has been given a new lease on life after undergoing a groundbreaking treatment. David Mould, 62, had been struggling with arthritic knee pain, which had made it difficult for him to engage in activities he enjoyed. The NHS had informed him that his knee deterioration was not severe enough for surgery at that time. Despite this setback, David sought a solution to his chronic pain to avoid the need for immediate surgical intervention. Over the years, his active lifestyle had taken a toll on his legs, causing him acute discomfort in his knees, along with associated aches and pains in his hip, likely due to compensating for his weakened limbs.
Living in Milton of Campsie, Dunbartonshire, David had previously worked as a Community Psychiatric Nurse for 22 years, followed by a role as a pharmaceutical company representative, which contributed to the strain on his legs. Eager to return to his beloved hills for photography, David had conducted photography assignments for the Ever Clinic, a private aesthetics facility in Glasgow. The clinic offers a treatment known as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a revolutionary technique that involves injecting the patient’s own blood plasma enriched with platelets and stem cells directly into the affected joint to provide rapid relief from arthritis symptoms.
Speaking of his decision to try the treatment, David expressed his aversion to medication and painkillers and his desire to explore alternative solutions. Following a consultation with the clinic’s Medical Director, Dr Cormac Convery, David underwent the PRF treatment earlier in the year, with plans for a follow-up session within the next year. Reflecting on his experience, David noted a significant improvement in his condition, estimating a 70% to 80% reduction in discomfort. Previously plagued by constant pain and sensitivity in his knee, David now enjoys a noticeable relief and increased mobility.
As a former nurse, David meticulously researched the PRF process and found confidence in the treatment’s methodology and efficacy. He highlighted the use of the patient’s own blood in the procedure, emphasising the logical approach to healing and regeneration. Since undergoing the treatment, David has been able to return to work as a photographer, crafting frames from recycled wood for his captured images on the moors. Encouraged by his positive outcome, David’s wife is contemplating undergoing the same PRF treatment at Ever Clinic, the sole provider of the procedure in Scotland.
Dr Convery, the clinic’s Medical Director, emphasised the superiority of PRF treatments over traditional steroid therapies for osteoarthritis, particularly in smaller joints like hands and knees. He explained that PRF injections, derived from the patient’s blood, offer antibacterial properties, safety, and reliable outcomes with long-lasting effects. The use of stem cells and growth factors in PRF has shown promising results in promoting healing, regenerating tissues, and reducing pain in affected joints.
With the swift and efficient nature of the 10-minute procedure, patients like David have found respite from chronic joint issues, avoiding the lengthy waiting periods often associated with corrective surgeries within the NHS. This innovative treatment has not only transformed the lives of individuals like David but also opened doors for those seeking non-invasive solutions to chronic pain and arthritis.