John's story: “I’ve forgotten what it feels like to not be in pain.”

John's osteoarthritis pain impacts his career

73-year-old John Winnik from Harrogate, Yorkshire, has been living with osteoarthritis since 2017. Working as an independent consultant in the glass industry, his work takes him all over the world. His career has been significantly impacted as the condition of his hips worsened. Despite trying to stay active and practice self-management, John's osteoarthritis pain prevented him from taking on many opportunities.

“About eight years ago, after being fit and playing golf regularly, I suddenly started to struggle after walking 15 minutes or so,” says John. “With my travel, it was getting worse. One year, I had quite a lot of trips to go on. The pain was really noticeable.” 

“I was in an exhibition in Dusseldorf,” he continues. “And [on] the last day, I couldn't go. I couldn't even get out of bed. It was that bad. I had to use both hands to pick my leg up. I didn't know how I was going to get from my bed to the end of the room.” 

When John returned home, following several investigations, he was told that he had arthritis in both hips. But by that point, the damage was so severe that surgery was the only option. So, he joined the waiting list for hip replacements.  

Struggling to manage on work trips

A year later and still with no surgery scheduled, John began to worry about the impact of his worsening condition on his career. Especially during work trips. Although his colleagues tried their best to accommodate him, he knew that without surgery a time would come when no level of support would be enough. 

Work wasn’t the only area of John’s life affected, though. From golf to gardening, his condition began to take a widening toll. “I went to a wedding,” he offers as another example. “I just couldn't stand up and talk to people. I was having to look for a seat and apologising. There’s a bit of pride in there.” 

Eventually, John felt like he had no choice and in 2024, he flew to Europe and paid privately to replace his right hip. 

“There were some complications after surgery and my recovery was slower than I hoped it would be, maybe because of my age,” he says. “My partner Lyn has been very supportive. She's got joint problems as well. She fell and popped her shoulder out a while ago which caused her a lot of pain. She's on a waiting list as well.” 

Despite her own challenges, Lyn was integral to John’s recovery:

“She's been marvellous. When I came back, I was tired and sleeping in the afternoon because you're losing sleep during the night. I'm the main cook in the house. I love cooking. I didn't do anything really for about four or five weeks. Lyn did everything. I really was cared for.” 

Still waiting for surgery

Today, John is still waiting. Not only for the replacement of his left hip, but also for surgery on his back. Treatment he hopes will reduce his pain and improve his mobility. Allowing him to move, work and live free from constant pain once again. 

“I’m on a waiting list for my left hip now and my back. I'd prefer to have it done free [on the NHS] now I'm prepared. I know what I'm going to go through.” 

John knows what it means to live life on hold. In fact, he can’t remember a time when he was free from pain. Which is why he’s a vocal advocate on the issue of treatment waiting times.  

“It gets to a point when you've got pain, that you live with it. You get up with it, you go to bed with it. But I’m getting stronger every day.” 

“After my 8-year struggle with arthritis, I want to bring more awareness to others in the same position. Raising the profile of the charity was my way of contributing.”