Susan's Story: Bypassing New Zealand's Two-Year Waitlist and Finding Affordable Knee Surgery in India

Please note: While this story is narrated in the first person ("I," "my"), we are sharing Susan's personal experience and recollections as accurately as possible. We are a third-party narrator and publisher, not the patient herself.

Hello, my name is Susan Rebergen, and I'm an anesthetic nurse from New Zealand. I spent years caring for patients, assisting surgeons, and ensuring everything ran smoothly in the operating theater. But recently, the professional battle turned painfully personal. With crippling knee pain and an urgent need for a total replacement, I was suddenly staring at a two-year public health waitlist—an obstacle that threatened not just my career, but my entire quality of life.

Like many New Zealanders, I thought my only options were to suffer through years of pain on the public waitlist or somehow come up with tens of thousands for private surgery, a cost completely beyond reach while I still needed to maintain my job. I felt trapped. My knee pain was not just an inconvenience; it was a physical barrier that prevented me from doing the job I loved, a job that requires me to be on my feet and moving constantly.

I knew I needed a third option, a path that offered both high quality and speed, all wrapped up in a package I could afford. My journey led me halfway across the world, to a place I never expected: India, guided by the incredible team at IndiCure Health Tours. This is my story, a story of how I found affordable knee surgery for New Zealand patients in India that saved my career and gave me back my life.

The Crippling Reality: My Knee Pain and New Zealand's Long Waitlist

For a couple of years, my knee had been a growing problem. It started with a persistent ache, which quickly escalated into debilitating pain that affected every moment of my day. Simple tasks, like walking, climbing stairs, or even just standing in the operating room, became a monumental effort. As an anesthetic nurse, my role demands physical presence and focus; when your body is screaming at you, it's impossible to perform at your best. I realized I couldn't carry on working indefinitely with a knee that was failing me.

A visit to a New Zealand surgeon confirmed the truth I had been dreading: a full knee replacement was unavoidable. The clarity should have been comforting, yet the real heartbreak came from understanding how complicated and delayed the path to surgery would be.

I was immediately faced with the reality of our public health system. Because the demand for non-urgent orthopedic surgery is so high, I was placed on a waiting list. The estimate? About two years before I would even get a date for my knee replacement. Two years is an eternity when you are living with chronic pain and your livelihood depends on your mobility. I couldn't afford to take that time off work, and frankly, I couldn't afford to live in that level of pain for that long.

I looked at the private alternative at home, only to discover the cost was exorbitant. The idea of self-funding the surgery was devastating. The combined cost of the surgeon, hospital stay, and post-operative care amounted to a figure I could never afford. For the first time, I felt truly crushed by the financial reality. It seemed like I was condemned to either endless waiting or bankruptcy, all for a surgery that is routine and life-changing. I realized that for many Kiwis, getting affordable knee surgery is a battle against both time and money.

Why I Chose Affordable Knee Surgery in India as a New Zealand Patient

It was during this time of research and deep frustration that I stumbled across an article online that changed everything. The story was about a fellow Kiwi nurse, Claire Olsen, who had successfully travelled to India for a robotic double hip replacement, facilitated by IndiCure Health Tours. The Stuff headline was staggering: she had saved around $60,000 and received world-class care, far exceeding what she felt was available to her at home.

As a nurse myself, reading a colleague's account was instantly reassuring. It wasn't just a random testimonial; it was a professional endorsement of the medical standards and the integrity of IndiCure. Claire's story gave me the conviction I needed. If someone in my own profession had safely taken this path for a major procedure, then I knew I owed it to myself to explore it for my knee replacement too. This was the third option I had been searching for affordable knee surgery for New Zealand patients that didn't compromise on quality.

I immediately contacted IndiCure, and their response was instantaneous and incredibly professional. It was night and day compared to the bureaucratic walls I had hit in New Zealand.

The Power of Connection: The Initial Steps

IndiCure wasted no time in connecting me with a surgeon. Instead of days of emails, we spoke face-to-face on a Zoom call, which was incredibly important to me. I had the chance to question the surgeon directly, understand his approach, and feel genuinely confident in the IndiCure recommended surgeon's capability. Together, we walked through the exact implant, the recovery pathway, and every stage of the surgery itself.

Following the consultation, I sent over all my medical documents—my x-rays, reports, and history. IndiCure handled all the coordination, and incredibly, my surgery was booked within two weeks of my initial contact. To go from a two-year wait to a surgery date in a fortnight was mind-blowing. It made me certain that my decision was right—India offers affordable knee surgery, combining world-class care with the speed I so desperately needed.

I cannot overstate the relief I felt. The heavy burden of pain and uncertainty was lifted. IndiCure wasn't just a booking agent; they were my guide, ensuring every detail, from the medical visa to the airport transfer, was taken care of.

How I Went from Virtual Consult to Arriving in Mumbai Without a Hitch

The decision to travel overseas for surgery can be daunting, but IndiCure managed the entire logistical process so smoothly that I never felt overwhelmed. Their end-to-end service truly takes the stress out of medical travel, allowing you to focus solely on your health and recovery.

My journey began with a flight, and upon arriving in Mumbai, I was greeted by an IndiCure representative holding a sign with my name. It was a small but essential detail that immediately made me feel safe and cared for. I was driven straight to my hotel, which was comfortable and quiet, allowing me to settle in and recover from the long journey.

The Unrivaled Standard of Pre-Operative Testing

Two days after arriving, I was taken to the hospital for all my pre-operative tests, and this is where I truly understood the difference in care. Back home, my pre-op assessment would have been basic and routine. In India, in the hospital recommended by IndiCure, it was incredibly comprehensive and meticulous. It lasted all day, and I underwent tests that were far more thorough than anything I would have received in New Zealand before a knee replacement.

I had my heart checked, detailed chest X-rays, extensive blood tests, and specific knee X-rays and scans. They checked everything, ensuring there was absolutely no underlying risk before proceeding with the surgery. This wasn't just standard care; it was an intense, professional assessment that bolstered my confidence in the entire medical team. As a nurse, I recognized and deeply appreciated this level of dedication to patient safety and thoroughness. This experience alone cemented my belief that the affordable knee care in India was of a quality I couldn't access at home.

I had my own private room, and the staff were amazing. I was treated respectfully and looked after exceptionally well. After the tests were complete, I was admitted to the ward, ready for surgery the next morning.

My Journey of Surgery and Recovery with World-Class Medical Care

On the morning of my surgery, I went into the operating theater. I had my knee replacement under a spinal anaesthetic, which was my choice, but the option for a general anaesthetic was also available.

The surgical team exceeded every expectation. Each person—from the nurses to the anaesthetists—was knowledgeable, compassionate, and efficient. My surgeon's expertise was unmistakable, and knowing I was in such capable hands allowed me to relax completely.

The procedure itself went beautifully, and once I'd stabilized in recovery, I was brought back to the comfort and privacy of my own room.

The Hospital Experience: A True Five-Star Standards

The standard of care within the hospital was nothing short of exceptional. The nurses were attentive, constantly checking on me, ensuring my pain was managed, and providing dignified care. I had physiotherapy every single day I was in the hospital, which is a massive component of joint replacement recovery. The doctors visited regularly, answering any questions I or my companion had.

Even the non-medical elements were top-tier. The food was absolutely fabulous, tailored to my needs, and served in my own spacious, private room. When you are going through a major surgery, having that level of comfort and personal attention makes a world of difference to your mental state and recovery. India gave me exactly what I had been searching for: exceptional knee replacement treatment at an affordable price, wrapped in genuine warmth and empathy.

I stayed on the ward for another four nights, and during that time, my recovery progressed at an unbelievable speed.

A Recovery I Couldn't Believe: Walking Just Two Days After Surgery

The recovery timeline was the most shocking and life-affirming part of my entire journey.

On the first day post-operative, I was taken out of bed. For the morning, I was assisted on a walking frame, starting the critical process of movement and weight-bearing. By the afternoon of that very first day, I was already walking independently with assistance from the physiotherapist.

Then came the astonishing moment. On the second day post-operative, I was not only walking independently in the hallway, but I was also walking up and down the stairs!

I could not believe it. I truly felt it was a miracle. Back in New Zealand, I knew the standard recovery protocol. If I had had my knee replacement done at home, even privately, I would have been dependent on crutches for a minimum of two to four weeks. The intensive, daily physiotherapy and the focused care I received in India allowed me to achieve a level of mobility in 48 hours that would have taken weeks back home.

This rapid recovery was a direct result of the superior post-operative care and the quality of the surgery itself. It meant I was back on my feet faster, ready to start my serious rehabilitation, and crucially, ready to get back to my life and my career much sooner than I ever thought possible.

Why I Chose IndiCure: It Was About So Much More Than Savings

My experience with IndiCure was not just about getting affordable knee surgery in India as a NewZealander; it was about reclaiming control over my health and receiving a level of comprehensive care that I honestly believe I wouldn't have found elsewhere.

From day one to the moment I boarded my flight home, IndiCure was there for me. They patiently answered every question and acted as the perfect bridge between my life in New Zealand and the care I received in Mumbai. Their support—and the experiences of other Kiwis like Claire Olsen—gave me the trust I needed to make this life-changing decision.

The surgeon who operated on me advised me thoroughly about my post-operative care and long-term recovery. They ensured I was sent home with all the right medication and clear instructions to keep my recovery on track. I returned home not just with a new knee, but with a renewed sense of energy and gratitude. I avoided the two-year wait, I avoided the crippling cost of private surgery in New Zealand, and I received better, more attentive care than I could have imagined. This high level of service made the entire trip feel safe, secure, and genuinely positive.

If you are a Kiwi facing the same agonizing dilemma—a long wait for the public system or an impossible cost for the private sector—I implore you to consider medical tourism. There are affordable knee treatment alternatives for Kiwis that do not compromise on quality.

My Advice to Fellow Kiwis: Don't Be Afraid to Consider India

As a healthcare professional, I can assure you that the standards of care, the expertise of the surgeons, and the professionalism of the hospitals in India are world-class. If you are thinking, "I can't afford to wait, but I can't afford private care," know that there is a trustworthy, safe, and effective third option.

The decision to seek affordable knee surgery options overseas is a big one, but with a reliable and experienced facilitator like IndiCure Health Tours, you will be in safe hands. They manage the risks, connect you with top-tier surgeons, and ensure your entire journey, including recovery and medication, is perfectly planned for your safe return home.

Do your research, watch the testimonials from people like myself and Claire, and take that first step. Don't let the waiting list steal your life. I am walking, I am back to work, and I am pain-free, all thanks to my affordable knee replacement in India. It was the best decision I ever made.