A Joint Journey

Sharon Zareski and Dave Cougle are an energetic couple who love to travel the world together. But for three years, the duo put their travels on hold as debilitating pain and stiffness from arthritis put a damper on their active lifestyle.

Committed to staying fit and active, Zareski and Cougle sought the surgical expertise of James Reeves, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Joint Replacement Program, who had successfully replaced Cougle’s hip a little over a year ago. With guidance and care from Dr. Reeves and the expert program staff, each chose to have double knee replacements, and the couple was able to resume their vigorous lifestyle with little downtime.

“The joint replacement program at Inova Fair Oaks offers the latest technologies and surgical techniques while being supported by the highest quality patient care team,” says Dr. Reeves. “The program’s success is the result of a collaborative effort by our surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, physical therapists and case managers.”

Back to Active

For 15 years, Zareski, a full-time real estate broker, had experienced severe chronic pain in both knees, making it difficult to stand or walk. In December of 2013, when steroid injections and pain medication no longer provided relief needed to maintain her normal activities, Zareski decided to have a bilateral knee replacement. Post-surgery, she had two weeks of physical therapy three times a week, and was soon back on her feet.

“Ms. Zareski was extremely motivated,” according to Dr. Reeves. “She quickly transitioned from a walker to a cane, and was walking with no assistive device within three months.”

Cougle also suffered from wear and tear in his knee joints, having played sports during his service in the U.S. Navy for nearly three decades.

“Mr. Cougle had severe arthritis in both knees that in addition to causing pain, also significantly limited his range of motion,” says Dr. Reeves. “Mr. Cougle is extremely active and loves to travel, but even walking had become a challenge.”

Since having both knees replaced last January, Cougle now exercises on a recumbent bike. He says he is walking “straight as an arrow,” with no limp and is already making travel plans with Zareski. They no longer take pain medication and both agree that Dr. Reeves is an “exceptional” doctor.

“He is extremely competent, compassionate and wonderful with patients,” says Zareski. “He’s a surgeon we recommend to everyone.”

Move Freely

To learn more about joint replacement at Inova Fair Oaks  Hospital, call 703.391.4555 or visit inova.org/hipsandknees.