Patient Testimonials

Dr. Bakker is outstanding and so is his team of professionals! I was referred to him by my primary care doctor and was seen immediately. Tests were completed to get the answers I needed and surgery was scheduled within weeks. He and his staff actually took the time to call after my surgery to see how I was doing.

I was 70 years old at the time of my injury and I was on my way to work. I stopped at Panera to get coffee for my co-worker and myself. I fell on my way back to my car and landed directly on my knee on the cement. I was brought to Fariview Southdale Hospital, where it was determined that I had shattered my knee cap. Dr. Corey Wulf was the Orthopedic Surgeon on call that day and said to my daughter, “it is a really bad break.” I was in surgery the same day and spent 5 days in the hospital and was then sent to Masonic Home for rehab. Dr. Wulf had to literally put my knee cap back together like a puzzle and then used heavy duty stitches and other hardware to hold it all together. It was undetermined if I would be able to walk without an assistive device any longer.

Dr. Wulf was caring and compassionate throughout the entire process and I could not have asked for a better surgeon and team. I am happy to say that I am walking independently without an assistive device today and have returned to doing most things I was doing before the accident. I thank Dr. Wulf and his team for the wonderful care that he provided me and my family.

Surgery with Dr. Meyer completely changed my mobility and overall physical condition. I can walk, climb stairs bicycle without problem.

To the entire staff at TCO,

It is difficult for me to even know how to completely describe the incredible experience I had at TCO during the past few months. Let me start with the facts. I have had a problem with my left knee for about 15 years, ever since a mountain bike accident caused a small stick to penetrate and damage my knee.  This somewhat minor accident caused arthritis to develop. A few years later I had two arthroscopic surgeries to remove pieces and shape my meniscus. This helped but years later the arthritis continued to advance. My first consultation with Dr. Christopher Meyer at this point put me on a path to relieve the pain for several more years.  Of course, we knew at some point a knee replacement would become necessary. We arrived at that point this fall.

From the time that Dr. Meyer recommended the replacement to today (8 weeks post surgery) my experience has been nothing but extraordinary. I cannot think of a better customer service experience in my lifetime! The care and attention I have received at every level has been amazing! There has not been a moment during this process that I didn’t feel completely cared for. The folks at the surgery center were amazing, everything was explained in ways that I completely understood and my concerns were listened to and addressed. The aftercare following surgery made me feel very encouraged and comfortable. I never felt like I was being rushed out and I felt like those attending to me considered me important.

Then, I went to Aurora for the rest of the day and one night. Oh, my gosh! I literally felt like I was the only patient there. But it was more than just the care and attention. The staff was friendly and, again, they never seemed rushed. I appreciated the time they took to have conversation with me and just be available. They took the time to listen to how I was doing and remembered things like I REALLY like my coffee and accommodated me on some of those little things that make you feel so at home. I have to drop a big thank you to Rachel! I know there were others but I don’t remember all the names. Sorry!

The follow-up has also been amazing! I’ve gotten timely calls to make sure I was doing ok and to ask if I needed anything. Also, Sommer has been wonderful in answering all my questions and making sure I have everything I need.

Then, it was on to TCO Burnsville for physical therapy and Alissa has also been amazing. Once again, she listened to all the little nuances of how my knee is doing and how I was feeling each time I went there. She has been encouraging every time and each time I left facility I felt like I knew exactly what I needed to do to keep progressing.

If I could think of one thing you could improve on, I would tell you.  But… I can’t think of one thing! I truly wish I could remember the names of all the people who attended to me throughout this process but I can’t. Just know that every one of them should be commended because EVERY ONE of them did a great job! Dr. Meyer, Sommer, the folks at the check-in desks, the nurses, the attendants, the anesthesiologist, the aftercare folks, Rachel, Alissa…every one of them.

How glad I was that I was given Dr. Gesensway to take care of me. His professionalism is beyond most. His sequence of pre-op questions were pertinent. His team of nurses, technicians, anesthesiologists and all who work for him were friendly and ready to operate and heal me with no complaints that I was the last surgery of the day and the week. Dr. Gesensway is a reassuring comfort with his smile and observance of my swelling and pain after the fall and post op. Only God Almighty directed me to his door and office in such a timely manner. Thank you all for assisting in the rehabilitation of my right arm so I can return to my chores at home as a wife, grandmother and mother. I look forward to playing golf with my husband, Roger, of fifty years this spring.

I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations. Before my left hip started giving me trouble, I was very active at the club doing HIIT, barre and spinning classes, but I gradually had to stop. I wish I didn’t wait a year and a half before finally deciding to go through a total hip replacement. Dr. O’Neill was highly recommended by a friend, so I decided to go through with it. Since this would be my first surgery, I was very nervous about pain, having to depend on pain medications and physical therapy. I thought I would be laid up for a couple months or more. To my surprise, I had no pain at all and took only Tylenol for 10 days (no opioids). The only physical therapy needed was walk, walk, walk and a few leg exercises. I was able to walk around my cul-de-sac with a walker the second day home and I ditched the walker after 5 days. I’ve gradually increased my walking to 3 miles per day. All of my friends and family thought I was a “rock star,” they couldn’t believe how well I was doing in such a short time. Now after 8 weeks, I am able to get back to the club and resume all my normal activities. I have, and definitely will always, recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone with hip, shoulder or knee issues.

Dr. Kirksson was truly wonderful for me. He listens carefully and you really come to understand that he cares about you and wants to help you with your medical problem. Listening carefully and taking the time with a patient is rare today, but he does it naturally. His calm demeanor and thorough explanations immediately lowered my anxiety and stress levels. I initially saw him for problems with terrible pain with my neck that other doctors – surgeons – had said required surgery. He successfully treated my neck without surgery and it hasn’t bothered me since. Years later when I had persistent lower back pain, he was obviously my first choice. I recommend him to my friends and family, as needed, without hesitation.

Dr. Arntson is a very humble but extraordinary doctor. His ability to work with patients and together come up with a plan to fit their needs is remarkable. I was able to plan my surgery at the best possible time for me and my knee. After my surgery, I had no pain. That’s right – no pain. The only pain I had was when I did my physical therapy.

Dr. Arntson was careful with the procedure, making sure that I did not get an infection. I searched and researched a long time to find a great surgeon, and I found one. I will recommend Dr. Arntson to anyone who needs a great surgeon. And he’s Norwegian!

Very happy with my results from my anterior hip replacement with Dr. Arntson. Surgery went well, feeling much better and getting around easier. A real life saver, thank you so much.

For almost 12 months, I was unable to work (and basically unable to walk) as a normal daily activity. The pain was excruciating! I went to podiatrists and physicians in 4 different clinics to receive painful injections and endure therapy to no avail. I was letting my family down. One lucky day, I was able to schedule with Dr. Coetzee. He recommended surgery, which we did, and one month later I was human. I was working and providing for my family! That was over a year ago now and I continue to beat the ground and am a providing family man, who can hold his head up with pride! Thank you for giving me my life back! I am fortunate to have been so blessed by his skills.