Standing the majority of a workday can be hard on legs and joints, especially when carrying extra weight.

That’s what Christine Dunay dealt with before her bariatric surgery in 2014. At more than 300 pounds, the 55-year-old special education teacher in Westwood, New Jersey, would often experience severe leg pain after a long day at work.

“Sometimes the pain would be horrible, and it would shut me down,” Dunay recalled. “I would have to stay home and get off my feet for a while.” Her weight also increased her risk for diabetes and inflamed asthma and respiratory infections.

Fortunately, her health improved after bariatric surgery and losing 100 pounds, but the wear and tear on her joints took its toll.

“I couldn’t walk my dogs and climbing stairs was difficult because of the pain,” she said. “It affected my sleep because it was hard to get comfortable. I even had to use a cane around the classroom.”

When Dunay couldn’t stand the pain any longer, she took steps to improve her joints. She underwent knee replacement surgery in 2023 and then met with Thomas John, M.D., at Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center to discuss hip replacement surgery.

“Dr. John was professional and very reassuring,” she said. “After he examined me, he gave me a couple of options for the surgery, and I agreed to it right away. I connected with him immediately. One day I said, ‘Dr. John, you're my hero.’ He answered, ‘I'm just a guy.’ I think his modesty says a lot about him.”

Joint Camp

As Dunay prepared for hip replacement surgery, she enjoyed attending the Joint Camp program at Pascack Valley Medical Center.

“The Joint Camp was very positive and informative,” said Dunay. “All my questions were answered. They gave me a booklet about the procedures, and I met all the nurses before the surgery. I also met the physical therapists who I would work with later during my rehabilitation sessions.”

Joint Camp was created for patients and their families to receive pre-operative education to enhance faster healing and recovery after joint replacement surgery. The Camp is a full overview of what to expect when one arrives for surgery, the process during your stay at Pascack Valley Medical Center and the importance of rehabilitation.

Hip replacement surgery

During Dunay’s recent hip replacement surgery, Dr. John used the latest technology and manufactured parts to repair the damaged sections of her hip joint.

He made an incision over the thigh and removed the damaged femoral head (ball) at the top of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (socket). He then replaced those degraded sections with new parts constructed of metal, ceramic and very hard plastic. The smoothness of these new parts will help reduce pain and improve Dunay’s mobility.

“My surgery and recovery could not have gone any better,” said Dunay.

Rehabilitation

Working with the rehabilitation team at Pascack Valley Medical Center was a positive experience, said Dunay.

“They are the hospital’s ‘best kept secret,’” she said. “Nick, Mike and Ashley work so well together as a team. They are all so knowledgeable and there’s a consistent flow of information through each of them.”

Dunay was especially pleased to work with Ashley and Keltie, a golden retriever specially trained to comfort and motivate patients during rehabilitation therapy sessions.

“Ashley is so personable and is extremely knowledgeable,” said Dunay. “I appreciate how well she explains the exercises and how they will affect my body. I am so comforted when Keltie is nearby.”

To get back into shape with her new hip, Dunay has concentrated on exercises that strengthen her core and her legs.

“My rehab sessions include warming up on a stationary bike, stretching my legs sideways while wearing an elastic band, leg lifts with weights, balance exercises and walking upstairs to build muscle,” she said.

Dunay’s steady improvement helped her return to work six weeks after surgery. The rehabilitation sessions have also produced results that others have noticed.

“Recently we were in Delaware with my daughter’s boyfriend’s family. Years ago, his father had hip replacement surgery and he knew mine was about nine weeks ago. He remarked that I wasn’t limping at all. ‘You’re doing amazing,’ he said.”

Her health has also improved after years of obesity. “I’m no longer borderline diabetic,” she said, “but I still watch what I eat. My respiratory issues and asthma are gone, so I have a lot more stamina.”

In addition to walking her dogs around the neighborhood, Dunay is also pleased with her flexibility.

“When I was really heavy, I could never cross my legs,” she said. “But now that I’ve lost the weight and have a new knee and new hip, I can cross my legs and feel good. I feel like a different, much healthier person.

“I have a new lease on life!”

For more information about the therapy and rehabilitation services offered at Pascack Valley Medical Center, visit our web page.