Patient Testimonials

After about four years of ankle pain, seeing various doctors, therapists, podiatrists etc., a friend told me I had to see Dr. Coetzee. The first thing he said when looking at my MRI, is that an ankle replacement would be the only thing that would help. Since I had never heard of an ankle replacement, I had a few concerns! I’m so glad I had it done! I couldn’t even wear a pair of shoes without pain. Three months out from surgery, I couldn’t be happier! The pain in my ankle is gone and I can wear shoes again! I can’t thank Dr. Coetzee and his team enough for the great care and outcome I had!

I met with Dr. Deal for pain and numbness in my neck, shoulder and arm. He was so thorough, scheduling a CT scan and EMG nerve test to rule out potential issues and really “see” what was going on. Dr. Deal performed a two-level fusion on my C4-C5 and C5-C6 at the end of June. I had relief from my pain immediately. The recovery was quite quick. I just had my three month follow up and I’m good to go. I am so grateful for Dr. Deal and the whole team at TCO. I would recommend them to everyone.

I have had intermittent and chronic lower back pain caused by osteoarthritis for nearly fifty years. At times my back has “gone out” with something as simple as putting on a pair of pants or something more vigorous like taking a huge golf swing. After each incident, I was unable to do very much of anything for days and sometimes weeks. I tried lots of physical therapy, some chiropractic work and a few steroid injections over the years, all with minimal to no discernable difference.

I was intrigued by Dr. Kirksson’s approach of nerve ablation. It is a lengthy process involving a trial run of two injections, a couple of weeks apart, to determine if the ablation will work. This is done, in part, to authenticate the appropriateness of the procedure for insurance coverage. It has been a couple of months now since I completed the process and I believe it has made a significant difference. I have been able to return to golf two to three times a week. There are times after taking a big swing when I still feel that my back is going to give out again, but it hasn’t. My guess is that the nerve ablation is preventing the pain transmission from going from my lower back and to my brain, which has allowed me to keep playing. So far so good. I hope this keeps working for at least the next two years. For those who have tried all of the conventional approaches without much success, I think this is worth trying.

I had a lot of cleanup surgeries over the past 43 years. When it was time for the total knee operation, Dr. Knowlan did an awesome job. I had no pain and bed side matter was great. Thanks Dr. Knowlan!

I received full knee replacement with Dr. Sanders and his PA, Matthew Bennett. 1.5 years later I can state with complete honesty that it was a total success. I am able to do the activities I love without pain. I would highly recommend the services I received with Dr. Sanders and Matthew. Follow-up appointments have been excellent and definitely give me a peace of mind that I haven’t had in years. Thanks!!!

I would like to thank Dr. Olson and Certified Athletic Trainer, Chris Ashton, for taking the time to explain my questions. They make a fantastic effort to do their best at their jobs. I’m sure both of them have many patients to see and follow-up with. They have always made me feel that my issues are important. Keep up the great work!

My son was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, stationed in Honolulu, when he suffered a severe knee injury. He had 2 unsuccessful surgeries over 2 years in the Army and was eventually medically retired. My son was extremely active prior to his injury, but after the injury and surgeries, he was left unable to do the things he enjoyed. Just a casual walk was painful and difficult.

After some extensive research, we found Dr. LaPrade and TCO. We made the trip to Minnesota, had a successful surgery and one week’s worth of physical therapy, and then returned to South Carolina. Fast forward 8 weeks, and my son is walking pain free, once again optimistic about his future, looking forward to resuming an active life, and pursuing his post-military career.

The thank you list is extensive, and I’ll surely miss someone. Let’s just say it is most definitely a team effort, and Dr. LaPrade and his entire team were a God-send. Thank you for giving him back the quality of life he deserves.

In high school, I was hit by a car and ended up breaking my leg. As the decades rolled on this affected my ankle, as I had zero cartilage left. I was in incredible pain for a few years and that’s when I was referred to Dr. Coetzee. I could barely walk and my whole body throbbed even though I took pain medication to sleep. I couldn’t sleep or live without constant pain. Luckily, Dr. Coetzee and his top notch P.A., Larry, informed me that I was a candidate for an ankle replacement.

I thought surely his P.A. must live at the hospital. He checked on me during the early morning hours and the late night hours. He corrected a nurse who had stuck an IV into my hand wrong. He made sure that insurance covered what I needed. He is a top notch P.A. Shortly after surgery, I realized that I was already in a lot less pain. After a short time post-op, I quit all pain meds. It was a very long recovery until I actually walked but I had a knee scooter which really helped me. We went on a trip 4 months later and I still needed a cane. However, after 8-9 months, I walked normally (I don’t run) and I could hike. One year later, I hiked Diamond Head in Oahu. We have many wonderful trips the past 6 years and my pain has been minimal.

Thank you for giving me my life back again and letting me enjoy my retirement years. Even senior citizen trips require walking and there is so much that I could not have participated in. I was at a point in my life that I really couldn’t imagine anything other than pain in my life. I am SO GRATEFUL! Unfortunately, I have just been diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer but I am still walking at least 3 miles a day except on my chemo days. You have allowed me to enjoy the past 6 and a half years. Thank you SO MUCH!

I am 82 years old and had my hip surgery on July 17, 2020. I received lot of information on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect afterwards. Surgery went well and I was out of the hospital the next day. I was given exercises to perform and didn’t need any other therapy. I also was given adequate pain medication during and after the procedure. I was up and walking almost immediately. I only needed a walker for 3 days and a cane for 10 days. It takes some time for pain from exercise to heal to but each day improves. After 6 to 8 weeks there has been no pain and no restrictions on movements. I have more flexibility now than I had before surgery. I would do it again and I definitely recommend Dr. Owen O’Neill.

Every day I get up and say “NO MORE PAIN!” At age 77 I’m back to doing the activities I enjoy! It wasn’t easy but the outcome was terrific! My love of ice skating and snowshoeing is now in sight. Dr. Owen O’Neill and his staff were so patient answering all of my questions from the first visit, after surgery, and during the follow up visits. I have one more knee to go but with prayers and Dr. O’Neill, I’ll be ready!