07/07/2017

Hip Joint Replacement Surgery Helps Steve Get His Go Back

In 2012, Steve Dussault of Dover crossed a big accomplishment off his bucket list. He and his wife Michele rode their bikes across the country in 68 days. But, when it was time to tackle an adventure on his wife’s bucket list – hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru – Steve knew his hips wouldn’t be able to make the steep mountain trek.

“The arthritis pain was getting to the point that it was affecting my lifestyle and my wife’s lifestyle. I couldn’t go hiking; I couldn’t go skiing. I couldn’t do any of the outdoor activities that I love,” says Steve.

The turning point came on the bunny slope of a favorite ski mountain. Steve made the run in tears because of the pain. At 50 years old, he decided it was time for his hip joint replacement surgery.

Steve was referred to Dr. Robert Harrington, now with the Wentworth-Douglass Center for Orthopedics and Joint Replacement. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Harrington has seen the difference joint replacement surgery can make: “It’s a real miracle, and it’s changed the lives of many people.” But the best results do not come from surgery alone. From prehab to rehab, all the elements work in concert to help patients achieve their best outcomes.

Steve opted to have his left hip replaced first with the goals of rehabbing quickly and having his right hip replaced several months later. “Dr. Harrington told me he’d have me up walking on the day of surgery – and I was. I couldn’t believe it,” he says.

During their stay, patients work with inpatient-focused physical and occupational therapists beginning day one to get them up and moving and assess their progress. After discharge, that expert care can continue with outpatient physical and occupational therapists through Wentworth-Douglass’s Joint Rehabilitation Services. 

Steve also took part in The Works Family Health & Fitness Center’s Rx Program, which is designed to address fitness needs following joint replacement surgery. Patients work with a medical wellness specialist, in conjunction with their surgeon’s recommendations, through an eight-week program to strengthen the new joint and muscles and get them on track to an active and healthy life.

“I’ll be honest, it was a long road and just a little embarrassing when an 82-yearold woman is passing me on the walking track, but I just kept on going. The Works Rx programs helped me do the right exercises so I could rehab as quickly as possible,” says Steve.

With his new hips, Steve is doing all the activities he loves – including hiking the Inca Trail with his wife and, most recently, taking a scuba diving trip in the Caribbean.

You can also find him on a stationary bike alongside Dr. Harrington during spin classes at The Works.

“After surgery, the pain goes away but people can also regain function. I see them skiing, playing with their grandkids,” says Dr. Harrington. “It’s so gratifying to see my patients enjoying their lives again.” 

Ready to Get Your Go Back? Contact Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for more information about our Orthopedics and Joint Replacement services at (603) 609-6135 or visit getyourgoback.com.