Patient Testimonials

Dr. Harris and his team truly changed my life! Numbness and pain in my arms and hands along with continuous back pain had greatly reduced my abilities to do anything. Walking was very difficult and being able to do normal things was impossible. They evaluated my situation and Dr. Harris fully explained his plan to correct my spinal issues. I had previous back surgeries along with fusion and knew the painful process and recovery. Following 2 long surgery procedures my recovery was much less painful then my previous experience and I feel that I have gotten my life back! I can walk without pain, no longer have pain or numbness in my arms or hands and am slowly getting back to things I have not done for years. I am truly grateful to Dr. Harris and his staff for their fine work and kindness.

I’m 58 and was experiencing the debilitating pain that comes with bone-on-bone anatomy in the right hip. I felt ancient beyond my years, hobbling around with one leg an inch shorter than the other. Dr. Owen O’Neill was highly recommended to me by my internist, and I liked the idea that he was skilled in the less-invasive anterior approach. He performed the surgery on June 5, 2020, and I am thrilled with the results! I instantly felt solid in my stance and very stable, and I was walking and climbing stairs the next day. Pain after surgery was easily managed with Tylenol. Two of my siblings who had hip replacement surgery via the posterior approach (with other surgeons) had more pain, longer scars, and longer recovery times. Sincere thanks to Dr. O’Neill, Mitch, and the entire TCO staff for restoring my mobility and giving me my life back. I’m buzzing around the neighborhood now with my dog and riding my exercise bike again. Feels fantastic! One more thing, the Care Suite overnight was fabulous. Comfy bed and recliner, top-notch nursing care and PT education. Covid-19 safety measures were excellent and reassuring. Way to go, TCO.

Dr. Gesensway and his team gave me the feeling that they cared about my minor injury. I had a piece of fiberglass from a shovel handle stuck in my thumb at a bad angle. Dr. Gesensway gladly removed it with a smile. Then sewed me up and sent me home for a week and I’m on my way to a great recovery. I am glad to say thanks to him and his team for giving the caring factor.

I’m so lucky Dr. Lewis was on duty when I fell ice skating and fractured my right femur. He is kind and caring and has a lot of expertise. My leg has three big pins, but feels normal with no more pain. I was a lucky person.

Total left knee replacement on July 23, 2020. Dr. Brian O’Neill did a fantastic surgery! I let his team know that I could not handle narcotics, without getting severely sick after surgery. They took that information and decided that they would do a spinal on me instead. I said YES! It will be three weeks this Thursday, and all I’ve used was Tylenol and ibuprofen, and now I’m down to Tylenol when needed. Dr. O’Neill is very professional, very kind, a great listener and made me feel calm. The staff he has is also great, answering any questions I had before and after surgery. My bandage was removed after one week, and the incision looked the best I’ve ever seen. They did a great job stitching me up and I’m already ahead of the game with therapy. There’s less and less pain each day, but it’s good pain as some therapy can be harsh but is well worth it. I can’t say enough about Dr. O’Neill and his God given talent!

Dr. Chris Meyer and his team (Cara and Summer) did a great job replacing my knee. I had a severe Meniscus tear and stress fracture which was eliminated by a full knee replacement. I am still recovering 6 months later but am back to my daily routine of activities with less pain. With continued exercise and stretching, my recovery is on schedule. I plan to have my right knee done next fall!

In July of 2019, I was suffering from what was thought to be additional spine issues but I ended up needing both of my hips replaced. I was referred to Dr. Steven Meisterling by several Twin Cities Orthopedic employees; he practiced in the East Metro where I live and performs surgery at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center. Dr. Meisterling started by giving me immediate injections in both my hips but those injections brought no relief so in October 2019 we decided I needed a new hip. The big question was which one would go first? We decided on the right hip and on October 8, 2019, Dr. Meisterling did a total right hip replacement at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center and I was in the EXCEL Program. I was in and out in 24 hours and the recovery was great. Unfortunately, my left hip deteriorated rapidly so we scheduled for the left one to be replaced on January 23, 2020! My left hip replacement was a bit worse and was a harder recovery for me but Dr. Meisterling and his care team were the best and checked in, got me signed up for PT in the dead of winter and followed up during the Covid pandemic. Dr. Meisterling is kind, compassionate, and caring. Less than a year post hip replacements, I am walking, swimming, riding my bicycle (no, I haven’t tried my Harley yet!) and doing stairs with ease. I am forever grateful to Dr. Steven Meisterling and his team!

Broke my right wrist trying my granddaughters hoverboard, yes I have checked it off my bucket list. The hospital tried to set it, but it was an unstable brake and I needed surgery. I was able to have surgery done two days later. Now, it’s been five weeks total and I’m starting to make bone, pain is minimal and I have almost normal range of motion. The staff and Dr. Wetter have been awesome. I would recommend them to anyone!

I am so grateful I found Dr. Hess. He sat down with me and really listened to my concerns and made me feel like a valuable patient. He just performed surgery on my shoulder and I look forward to healing and physical therapy to start my journey to feel pain free.

I can’t say enough about Dr. Edward Szalapski as a Doctor. My family doctor referred me to him when I needed my right hip replaced in 1998. He said he would not send me to anyone that he would not send his own family member to. Dr Szalapski fit that bill, he is a caring down to earth person. I remember telling him he had to do a good job because my grandkids wanted to play with their grandma. You know he cares about his patients when in November 1998 after having my right hip replaced, he came to see how I was doing late in the evening at the hospital.

Then in November 2009 I had my left knee replacement, left hip replacement October 2010, right hip socket replaced 2018 after 20 years. Then Dr. Szalapski did my carpel tunnel right hand in April, 2019 and the carpel tunnel left hand in May, 2019. I believe in his work so much I changed my health carrier as his office was not going to be in the network. This year I needed my right knee replaced and I am so glad I can still have Dr. Szalapski as my Orthopedic physician.