Patient Testimonials

My knee replacement by Dr. Chris Meyer in the TCO EXCEL Program was excellent! The all-inclusive program from the beginning to the end through physical therapy was comprehensive and beyond my expectations. No hassle billing was so nice – it was the way it should be. Knowing the cost in a bundle makes it so much easier on the patient.

My right hip replacement performed by Dr. Mair was perfect. Everybody was great at Two Twelve Surgery Center. My pain was minimal due to how they managed it with their schedule. I was walking the evening of my surgery. I followed my directions from physical therapists and doctors, it’s like my hip was never replaced. Highly suggest both Dr. Mair and the TCO EXCEL Program.

I would love the chance to see Dr. Steven Meisterling again and thank him for giving me my life back! The first time I went to see him in St. Croix Falls, I could barely walk into the clinic because my knee hurt so bad and it was affecting my hip too so that was sore. He showed me the x-rays of my knee and how little cartilage I had left. I was advised to first try wearing a neoprene brace on my knee which made an amazing difference for a while.

By the time of my operation, I was very bow-legged and limping very badly. All of the staff that I had dealt with were extremely helpful. I felt very comfortable going into the operation; the pre-op nurse and anesthesiologist were very comforting. My recovery was smooth with no problems and the staff checked in on me frequently. I loved my physical therapist, Dan Stark, during my recovery process as well – he was very helpful and such a nice guy.

My whole experience with the EXCEL Program at TCO was great. I would definitely recommend TCO to anyone and will not hesitate to go back if I ever need any similar procedures.

I had a fantastic experience. I referred a friend already to Dr. O’Neill for a hip replacement. I continue to work with TCO through Steve my trainer and use TCO for my orthopedic needs. The EXCEL Program was just the program I needed for surgery.

I was blown away by the overall process and how quickly I was back in action. I am young and in relatively good shape and I was coached by a number of people about how key rehab is. It was crazy to think that in a few short hours, I was on my feet walking the hallways. The rooms and care I received from Dr. Kruse and staff in my short stay were fantastic. Again, I was really blown away with the surgery process, recovery center quality and overall recovery from a major surgery.

My experience with Twin Cities Orthopedics and the EXCEL Program was very good. Dr. Panek is great. My hip replacement surgery went well. I couldn’t believe that I was walking the same day. It is amazing how much the new hip has improved my life. I’ve resumed sailboat racing and despite the pressure that it puts on my leg and hip, I have no pain. I ride my bike, walk miles on trips, ice skate, and participate in other activities. My leg feels so good that I often forget that I have an artificial hip. Sometimes when I go through airport or sporting event screenings, I forget to tell them and set off the alarm.

I had been living with knee pain for years and had visited several orthopedic physicians. Once I met Dr. Panek and his team, I immediately felt comfortable that they would handle my issues. Had a knee replacement in June 2018 and I can truly say “why did I wait so long?” Due to the skill of Dr. Panek, I now feel better than I have in years!

While participating in the EXCEL Program and with the expertise of Dr. Panek and his team, I have made a successful recovery from knee replacement surgery. I am back to kayaking, bike riding, walking, digging in my garden, re-arranging (large) rocks in my garden and living life to the fullest!

Almost ten years ago Dr. O’Neill replaced my right knee. It had been damaged in an auto accident several years earlier and caused me considerable pain and an awkward gait. I was and I am still very happy with that new knee. No pain and no limp! When my left knee needed to be replaced I did not hesitate to see Dr. O’Neill. I had the surgery in January and participated in the EXCEL program. The recovery was swift and the care was excellent. I appreciated the personable and professional and care I received, not only from Dr. O’Neill, but also from his office and clinical staff. They provided great information, listened to my questions, addressed my concerns and seemed happy to do it. Now that spring is finally here, I am delighted to be out walking the neighborhood!

I had my right hip replaced just over 3 years ago before moving to MN using the posterior approach. My doctor was great (a friend of the family) and my surgery was successful. I walked away completely satisfied and knowing I had received the “white glove” treatment. So when my left hip started acting up, I strongly suspected we were heading down the same path.

Dr. O’Neill and team confirmed that my cartilage had left the building and I prepared for the ordeal all over again. Going on disability and 6 – 8 weeks of down time needing assistance etc. Then Dr. O’Neill carefully explained that a new anterior approach procedure is performed by the team and with results that left me doubting what I was hearing in spite of the logic behind it. Back to work in a couple of weeks (no disability), being able to start swimming and other activities (especially walking) almost immediately, and likely no physical therapy needed. Then I was told about the EXCEL program and how this group has put together a team and a plan that covers every possible detail of the prep, surgery, and post-op care. I knew that I was in good hands because every concern that I had based on the first hip being done was clearly being addressed. Most of all, my previous Doctor said just be sure the new procedure is being done by someone who has a good deal of experience with it. Dr. O’Neill fits that having successfully performed the procedure many times after spending a great deal of time researching and training. His expertise is on display daily.

I am 4 months and some change out from surgery and I need to say that the difference in recovery this time is amazing. There are fewer restrictions in general. I was walking the day of and have not stopped since. Back in the pool as soon as the wound had healed and swimming easily. I began working from home ten days post-op which really was amazing compared to the earlier procedure (6 weeks before working from home). I had no need for pain medication after the third day post-op stronger than Celebrex (as a person in recovery, this was almost more of a concern than the procedure). I was given the ok to drive as soon as I stopped pain medication but waited 2 weeks to ease the concern of family. Everything I had been told prior to surgery was spot on and or even better than described.

I need to say a few words about the team at TCO. They not only are caring and supportive throughout the process but anticipate just about every question, concern and need in advance. Everyone goes above and beyond to answer questions from insurance to logistics and everything in between. The day of surgery team was caring, professional and on top of things. The overnight nursing care is nothing short of extraordinary and the next day/discharge team left nothing unanswered. The folks at follow up visits from the front desk to the team assisting Dr. O’Neill are fantastic. If you are considering options for a hip replacement, I cannot encourage you enough to look into this team and the work that they are doing. I am so grateful to have been a patient.

January of 2014 I had my left hip replaced by Dr. Comfort. April of 2018 I had my right hip done, again by Dr. Comfort. My recent surgery included participation in the EXCEL Program and was carried out at the High Point Surgery Center. Both procedures and my experiences with them, to include the EXCEL Program and High Point Surgery Center, were nothing but positive. I am 6 weeks out of my recent procedure and recovering well, to the extent that I am back to work and suffering only minimal muscle soreness. I would very much like to thank Dr. Comfort, Molly his assistant, and Dave for the great care they gave me through the process. Their care and talents have given me back the ability to enjoy a pain free lifestyle. Overall, I would highly recommend Dr. Comfort and his staff. Thank you Dr. Comfort and Twin Cities Orthopedic for the quality care given.