Beyond the Badge: How a Retired Fire Captain Reclaimed His Mobility with OrthoIllinois

After 29 years as a fire captain and helicopter paramedic, Mark Marinelli was no stranger to pain. Eventually, the toll of decades spent protecting others began to impact his own quality of life. His hips and knees were worn down. Activities he once loved like playing ice hockey, fishing up north, or working in the yard became nearly impossible.

“I’ve had to give up a lot,” Mark said. “Thanks to OrthoIllinois, not everything.”

When the Job Becomes a Risk

As the pain in his hip worsened, Mark worried his body would fail him when it mattered most.

“I didn’t want to be the guy who needed rescuing,” he said. “The idea of crawling down a hallway with fire overhead and not being able to help someone else – that wasn’t going to be an option.”

Already familiar with orthopedic care, Mark had undergone several surgeries over the years. By the time he neared retirement, he knew something more permanent was needed. The turning point came when he found himself stuck in his own backyard, unable to make it inside without pain.

Finding the Right Team

Mark was referred to Dr. John Bottros at OrthoIllinois, where he had both hips and both knees replaced over time. What stood out wasn’t just the successful outcomes, but the care and respect he received from the entire team.

“Dr. Bottros told me what to expect and never pushed anything I wasn’t ready for,” Mark said. “When I was ready for the next procedure, we got it done. It was a team effort – he handled the surgery, and I did the work in therapy.”

He credits the therapists who supported him throughout recovery as crucial partners.

“They knew me. They knew I’d do the work. That partnership made all the difference.”

A Standout Experience

Mark’s most recent surgery took place at the OrthoIllinois’ OrthoMidwest Surgery Center in Beloit, and he describes the experience as truly exceptional from start to finish. Despite a surprise cardiac complication discovered just before the procedure, the care team acted swiftly and thoughtfully to ensure his safety without delaying his treatment unnecessarily.

“After receiving the necessary cardiac clearance, the team rescheduled my surgery within a month,” Mark explained. “Throughout the entire process, everyone from the nurses to the surgical staff handled everything with the utmost care and professionalism.”

He was particularly impressed by the attentiveness and warmth of the nursing staff, who balanced strict adherence to protocols with a personal, compassionate approach.

“They didn’t just treat me like a patient; they treated me like a person. It made a huge difference in my confidence and comfort going into surgery.”

OrthoMidwest Surgery Center’s clean, well-organized environment and responsive team helped make what could have been a stressful situation feel calm and controlled. For Mark, this level of care reinforced why he continues to trust OrthoIllinois with his orthopedic health.

Back to What Matters Most

Post surgery and therapy, Mark is living life on his own terms again. While he’s hung up his hockey skates, he’s far from sedentary. He and his wife recently completed a major backyard project – hauling boulders, building a fire pit, and planting a garden, something he says he couldn’t have done without his successful surgeries.

“I’m 68, and I’m able to do more than I ever expected at this stage. That’s because of OrthoIllinois.”

He still enjoys fishing, working outdoors, and traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his wife and their Labrador retrievers. Best of all, he can do it without worrying about pain slowing him down.

Mark’s Message: Trust the Process, Embrace the Care

Now enjoying the rewards of an active, pain-free life, Mark urges others not to delay treatment.

“If you’re hurting, do something,” he says. “There’s a reason OrthoIllinois is in high demand. They’re the best at what they do. Whether it’s Dr. Bottros, his physician assistants, the nurses, or the therapy team – everyone is exceptional. You’re never on your own, and you’re never overlooked.”

For Mark, the combination of expert care, trust, and follow-through made all the difference, and it’s what he hopes others will experience, too.

From Rescue Work to Renewal

For someone whose career was defined by showing up when others needed help, it’s no surprise Mark approaches life after surgery with the same dedication.

“They didn’t just repair my joints, they gave me back my freedom,” he said. “And if you’re living with pain, you don’t have to. Take the first step. The right step is OrthoIllinois.”