Patient Testimonials

Twin Cities Orthopedics,

I had my left hip totally replaced on March 20th, 2017. This was my second hip replacement, and I was invited to participate in the EXCEL program at TCO, where I would be having my surgery and recovery done in a non-hospital setting. It was a great way to get this done. My surgery was scheduled early in the morning at the surgery center, and after coming out of the anesthesia, I was brought by van to an assisted living facility. There, I had a room to myself with my care giving staff in the room next to mine. They provided excellent around the clock care including checking on my well being and physical therapy sessions. I was ready to go home by 11:00am the very next day.

The staff members I came into contact with through the entire process were all great! Very professional and caring people that were, in my opinion, some of the best care givers out there. I had Dr. O’Keefe as my surgeon and he did a great job with my hip replacement (he had done my right hip back in 2014 as well).

I’d surely recommend the EXCEL program for anyone qualified to do it. For me, it was a great way to get my hip replacement done. I’m enjoying being able to do the activities I enjoy a lot more comfortably now.

Thanks,
Michael C.

In August 2016, I was having surgery on my ankle at Maple Grove Hospital.  While talking to the nurses, I mentioned that I needed to have knee replacement surgery but wasn’t sure what doctor to go to. They encouraged me to not wait to have knee replacement surgery because having it right away would improve my quality of life. The nurses highly recommended Dr. Brian O’Neill.  After healing from my ankle surgery, I made an appointment to see Dr. O’Neill.  I liked his approach and knew that when the time came that I would have him replace my knees. I had a total right knee replacement on in July, 2017.  I was fortunate to be part of the Excel program.  The nurses and staff at the hospital and Excel program were fantastic, I couldn’t have asked for better care.  I’m happy to report that after 8 weeks, I have returned to my normal routine.  My recovery from knee replacement surgery has far exceeded my expectations, my pain was well managed and I had great range of motion from the very beginning.  I am grateful to Dr. O’Neill and his team.  I still have my left knee to replace and plan to return to Dr. O’Neill when that time comes.

I am a 47-year-old female that had my right hip replaced in April 2016. Dr. Comfort encouraged me to have the replacement when my quality of life was impacted. That time came and I am so glad that I had the operation. I have been pain free since the operation and far more active than I have been in years. Dr. Comfort genuinely wanted to improve my quality of life and for that, I thank him. The entire experience with Dr. Comfort, the TCO team and the EXCEL Program was excellent.

This summer, after years of arthritic pain and cortisone shots, I finally summoned up the courage to have my shoulders replaced. I can’t begin to thank Dr. Kelly enough. I knew within a day of the surgery that things were going to eventually get better. It was amazing! Within just two weeks, I wanted to get the other shoulder done. Dr. Kelly agreed to do the other one 7 weeks later. I teasingly say it’s like a miracle, but in a way, it truly is. For me it’s been life changing. I’m down to just 2 Advil a day – which I can’t believe. The weird cracking sounds I could hear in my body are GONE! I’m able to clean my house, get dressed, and do all sorts of things that were so painful before. The best thing of all – I can sleep comfortably again! What a difference. I would recommend Dr. Kelly to anyone. He and his PA, Lindsey Anderson, are excellent – not just for the surgery itself, but for all the follow up. I have really benefited from the Twin Cities Orthopedics EXCEL program.

Randy Wittman, former NBA player and coach, had been experiencing continual knee and hip pain for 20-plus years before he came to Twin Cities Orthopedics’ Brian O’Neill. Dr. O’Neill performed hip surgery for Randy, and then a knee replacement 6 weeks later.

With help from TCO’s EXCEL Program and Dr. O’Neill, Randy was able to return to his regular lifestyle, traveling, playing golf, and walking without pain. “I’ve gone through a lot of surgeries—back, three knee replacement operations—and the EXCEL Program was the best. It wasn’t like being in a hospital. I went from the surgery to a private suite, and was connected to a nurse for the whole process of both my hip and knee—that nurse is like a sister to me now,” says Wittman. “And for insurance and billing, you get one bill. That’s it, at the end of the process. It made everything so much easier for me to use the EXCEL Program.”

*Randy Wittman’s story was featured in the September ’16 Issue of MPLS St. Paul Magazine. See more here

The EXCEL program sounded too good to be true. However, I had a nice comfortable suite, no ugly hospital gown and I felt much more at ease than in a hospital. Instead of feeling exhausted when leaving the hospital after surgery, I felt somewhat rested and closer to “normal.” I even got to drink a coke!

I highly recommend the EXCEL program. The care was great and I felt very comfortable there.

I am an active person and a professional gardener. I was able to work this spring after having surgery at the end of January. I got a lot of support and encouragement from Dr. Mair and Erin. I am even planning a backpacking trip this fall. Last year I was afraid these things would not be possible.

Overall I had an excellent experience with Dr. Teynor and the EXCEL Program. I was in the EXCEL Program for my second knee replacement. There were two things I most appreciated. First, the post surgery care was very personalized and the setting was much better for recovery compared to a hospital. Second, the single bill that covered the entire procedure was much appreciated. I highly recommend this program for those who qualify.

After five years of degenerative hip issues, I had my right hip replaced by Dr. O’Neill through TCO’s EXCEL Program. Three days after surgery I was walking without discomfort or use of a walker. Two weeks post surgery I was back on my bike riding without pain or restrictions. I am looking forward to having my left hip replaced by Dr. O’Neill within the next 12-24 months. TCO and Dr. O’Neill provided an exceptional patient experience for me.

The hip replacement surgery went better than I could have ever expected, just like Dr. O’Neill said it would. Very impressed with every single staff member and the EXCEL Program. It was great. I have referred a friend who took another friend with her. That is how much I believe in your program.

I had been seeing Dr. Brian O’Neill for several years for arthritis in my knee. I finally reached the point where it made sense to schedule my TKA surgery, and I was so pleased when Dr. O’Neill suggested the EXCEL Program. Knowing that infection is a serious risk with the surgery, and also knowing that the risk of contracting an infection in the hospital was even higher, I was ecstatic to find out that I could avoid hospitalization altogether. I was also thrilled to be given the opportunity to recuperate in a non-hospital setting that wasn’t a transitional care facility.

The entire experience was positive. The staff was amazing. My primary care nurse, Ashley Swenson, was fantastic. She was supportive and gave me all the information I needed in a way that was respectful and informational. Her care during my stay at the EXCEL suites couldn’t have been better, as well as the PT. I so much appreciated the comfortable environment that didn’t feel like a clinical setting. It was so helpful to have the physical therapy room right across the hall, and to be able to work with the PT during my stay in an environment that was so inviting. Ashley’s discharge instructions were thorough and easy to understand. She was even willing to talk with me and respond to emails following my surgery, which was so appreciated and helpful.

Marni Gorowsky, my EXCEL RN contact, was an absolute angel throughout my recuperation after I left the EXCEL facility. I cannot overly express how incredibly comforting, helpful and essential it was to be able to email Marni throughout my recovery. I had the added hassle and discomfort of coming down with severe bronchitis at the same time, and Marni’s coaching and advice helped me and my husband through some pretty dark hours. She allayed my fears and gave me fantastic direction on how to manage my pain, swelling, anemia and general recovery.

I honestly cannot imagine going through the TKA experience any other way. And, finally, the PT experience at the TCO PT office with Seth Engberg was equally positive. Seth personalized my PT so that I always felt my unique physical abilities were taken into account. I was adamant about increasing my strength and range of motion, and Seth worked with me to find the best exercises that fit my personal goals.

It has been six months since my surgery. While I have to say it was by far the physically most difficult and painful thing I have ever experienced, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I have my full range of motion back, far beyond what I had hoped. My knee is less swollen than it has been in many years. I am virtually pain-free and drug-free. I rarely, if at all, even take an ibuprofen, where it previously was part of my regular “diet” along with much stronger drugs.

I am golfing, biking, walking, and back to work at a much higher level of physical stamina than before. And I do believe that Dr O’Neill’s elegant work and the outstanding care model of the EXCEL Program are largely responsible. I’ve spoken to other TKA patients who did not have any where near the positive recovery experience that I have had.

Thank you Dr. Brian O’Neill, TCO, Ashley, Marni, and Seth! Keep doing what you are doing.