For Waverly resident, Bob Cousin, years of persistent pain had begun to interfere with daily life, making it clear it was time to seek orthopedic care.
Bob had been living with lower back pain for years. Even with daily exercise and stretching, the pain continued to worsen and eventually became difficult to manage. “I’ve always had an active lifestyle, and I knew I needed to address the pain,” Bob said. Although the discomfort seemed to be centered in his back, imaging revealed the real source of the problem: both of his hips had significantly deteriorated. At that point, choosing a surgeon felt easy.
His wife, Malissa had already experienced exceptional care with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Torrez when she underwent a previous shoulder surgery. “We had heard great things about Dr. Torrez and his team, which is why we chose him when my wife Malissa needed surgery,” Bob said. “We were very pleased with the whole process and the results.”
When Bob learned he could receive care at Waverly Health Center (WHC), it made the decision even easier. “My family has always had great experiences with WHC, so I was thrilled to find out I could be treated in Waverly,” he said. “The entire process was so convenient. World-class care right in my hometown.”
From the first consultation through recovery, Bob says the experience was seamless. “Dr. Torrez and his whole team were great from the first consultation through recovery,” he said. “They explained exactly what to expect, accommodated my schedule and answered all my questions.”
Before surgery, Bob participated in WHC’s Joint Camp, the educational session led by Crissy Dieckman, patient care navigator and the orthopedic team that helps prepare patients for joint replacement surgery and recovery. Because of the session, Bob felt fully prepared for what was ahead.
“The actual surgery was extremely smooth,” he said. “Dr. Torrez is very energetic and knowledgeable and made me comfortable with the entire process.” Bob underwent both hip replacement surgeries successfully. He saw noticeable progress every day. “I appreciated how thorough and attentive Dr. Torrez and his team were through the entire process,” Bob said.
Now, six months after surgery, the difference has been life-changing. “I’m really pleased with how I’ve recovered,” he said. “No more hunching over or limping and my daily activities are pain-free.”
Having access to advanced orthopedic care close to home made that recovery process even easier. “I feel like the flexibility of being right in town made it so much easier for us both to recover and support each other,” Bob said.
Looking back, Bob hopes others who may be delaying care feel encouraged to take that next step. “I think it’s perfectly natural to feel some nerves and anxiety leading up to a procedure,” he said. “But the results are worth it. Once it’s over, the body and mind turn to healing and positivity.” For both Bob and Malissa, the experience has left them deeply grateful.
“Our experience and results were amazing, and I honestly wish I had gotten my hips replaced sooner,” Bob said. “Dr. Torrez, his team and all of the WHC staff are exceptional. We are so pleased with the care we’ve received and the results.”
