Patient Testimonials

I was quite worried about having my knee replacement surgery for a few reasons: We only have an upstairs bathroom, we farm, and I worried about being able to get in and out of equipment, pain after surgery, and the list goes on. I discussed the bathroom issue with both Dr. Mair and Cody, his physician assistant, prior to surgery and was assured I’d be taught how to manage the stairs prior to going home after surgery. I was taught how to do stairs, one at a time at first, and it wasn’t difficult. I had a discussion with Dr. Mair prior to my surgery about pain management and I was pleasantly surprised. As far as getting in and out of farm equipment, I was using a skid loader (anyone who has used one knows they aren’t the easiest to get in and out of) three months after surgery with no issues. I just cannot say enough great things about how my knee replacement surgery and aftercare went, and there were so many people that helped me be successful. First, Dr. Mair and his team at TCO and the surgery center told me what to expect (no sugar-coating), performed the surgery, and gave me FABULOUS after-care! Then the work really began at TCO Therapy and Sports Performance in Waconia where I did all my physical therapy. WOW, WOW, WOW – they are so great! The atmosphere there is one of the most positive I have every experienced. Even the therapists you aren’t working closely with are helpful. My physical therapists helped me get started with my therapy and showed me what I needed to do to get great results. My favorite part is that even though I came in with a walker (necessary for a short time following surgery), they treated me like a whole person, not invalid. Maybe that’s not vital for everyone, but I noticed it right away and it made a huge difference in how my mind dealt with this. My physical therapy package also included ten sessions of “on my own therapy”, with specific exercises that I did at the therapy center, and a program called Total Joint. I would describe this as transitioning from post-surgery to real life. They helped me so much and I took advantage of everything included with my therapy package. I cannot say enough how important physical therapy and home exercises are. I don’t think anyone should be “pushed” into receiving a joint replacement because it’s a very personal decision and you need to be ready, but I am so glad I had mine done! Be prepared to work HARD, even before you leave the hospital or surgery center, and then EVEN HARDER as you begin your out-patient therapy and exercises at home. It pays off! A little extra benefit I had, which I believe is a result of my knee replacement, is that my cholesterol lowered by almost 100 points! I haven’t been able to go for walks for several years and it was to a point where a statin was being recommended, which I didn’t want to use a statin. I couldn’t start walking outside until a couple months after surgery, because it was icy, but I started ASAP, and am really enjoying that again!

Thanks to Dr. Jason Dieterle and TCO’s EXCEL Program, I’m feeling great after a total knee replacement. In fact, just 3 months after surgery, I had more mobility in my knee than I’ve had in the past 15 years. Dr. Dieterle was very professional, honest, and straightforward. As a toolmaker for over 30 years, I’m someone who appreciates quality work, and Dr. Dieterle went the extra mile to make sure I had a great experience. Just recently, I returned from a bucket list fly fishing trip to Canada that I couldn’t have done without this new knee. I already have my next trip scheduled!

After a knee replacement and the second of my two shoulder replacement surgeries, I feel qualified to say that Dr. Kelly and his team (Lindsey Anderson, PA-C and Care Coordinator Kaici Gulbrandson) have made my life so much better than it would ever have been without their incredible work. I cannot envision how Dr. Kelly’s skill as a surgeon could be surpassed anywhere. It is nothing short of incredible. What a gift he is to the Twin Cities!

I was in a pain that slowly, over time became intolerable. Getting out of bed in the morning each day was a challenge. I wanted to take walks but I wasn’t able to. I could have waited like most people do, but I have a whole lot of living to do. It didn’t take me long to decide to let Dr. Mair and his team change my future. Is the surgery difficult? Yes. The first few weeks were very hard. But my reward is no pain at 9 weeks post-surgery! My leg is straighter! I look forward to many long walks, and for a very long time! I am 56 years old and I have degenerative arthritis in both knees. I look forward to getting the next one replaced. My advice is don’t wait.

I first met Dr. Saterbak back in 1997. At that time she scoped my knee for a cartilage/meniscus tear. She did a wonderful job but naturally, after time wore off, I developed more knee pain. Just recently I came back to TCO, seeking help from Dr. Saterbak since my primary care physician told me I needed a total knee replacement. There wasn’t anyone else I wanted to do this for me but Dr. Saterbak. I’m now on the road to full recovery thanks to a wonderful doctor and friend!

The entire process was done with excellent communication and great care throughout. Physical therapy is a must. The highly trained staff crafted and executed a rehabilitation program that met and exceeded my expectations. The counseling also relieved a lot of stress, when certain aches and pains were noted as a part of the typical healing process. They are an awesome group of very talented and thorough professionals. They communicate very well between the surgery team, the after care, and the therapy teams. The bonus is that the scar is hardly noticeable. I would highly recommend Twin Cities Orthopedics, Dr. Christopher Meyer, and team.

At 43 years old, I was very nervous about having a knee replacement since it seems like a young age for that surgery. I was looking through Dr. Crowe’s reviews and found that he specializes in hip and knee care. What a team he has. I highly recommend him and have nothing but positive things to say about my experience, from the day of surgery, all the way through physical therapy. I am very pleased with my new knee, thanks Dr. Crowe!

I am now 7 months post-op after total knee replacement surgery from Dr. Lewis. This was done through the EXCEL program at TCO Eagan. I am a 57 year old male and am very pleased with entire process and the results. While first 6 weeks after surgery were not fun, I never regretted my decision to move forward with surgery. Except for pain directly attributed to the surgery, I have been pain-free since. It was quite a blessing. Also, I have advanced to a stage where I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about my knee. I would say that is final stage of successful surgery. I am able to enjoy all my favorite activities again. Although my interaction with Dr. Lewis was fairly limited, the results speak for themselves. I highly recommend him and the entire team at TCO Eagan and the EXCEL program. In fact, I was so impressed with the campus, my wife and I will be moving into the Viking-Lakes residence apartments this spring.

I want to thank Dr. Anseth and Heidi for their outstanding care! I was very anxious about having knee surgery but Dr. Anseth is really a great communicator and alleviated my fears. I now am about 8 weeks post-op on my second knee surgery and I am thrilled with my results. Between Dr. Anseth’s expertise and the “Wim Hoff” method I used for pain control, I couldn’t be more satisfied. Dr. Anseth came highly recommended by a family member and I have in turn recommended him to others. Thank you again Dr. Anseth and team!

Dr. Lewis was a referral for me dating back to 2017. He and his PA, Libby, worked with me for 2 years to help me prepare for my first surgery. I had my first knee replacement in September 2019. This surgery was very successful and the continuing support of Dr. Lewis, Libby and their assistant, Angela, was beyond approach. They never went without calling me back, I was able to get in and see either Dr. Lewis or Libby as I felt was needed. I was overall very successful with this knee replacement.

I had my second knee replacement surgery in October 2021. They say never to compare yourself with any other person including your other knee. I will have to say this one went just as smoothly. Dr. Lewis and Libby communicated with me consistently when I had issues, which were only the normal course of events when having knee replacement.

I have continued working with the TCO organization with my physical therapy and I believe I was successful because Dr. Lewis and his team were an outstanding team, and they really care about their patients. Dr. Lewis came recommended by many people. He will continue to be someone that I will recommend to anyone having knee problems.