Patient Testimonials

When my troubles began, I was 3 weeks into paid parental leave in July. I was looking forward to an exciting summer spending time with my newborn baby daughter. One morning I was hit with a crippling pain that began in my lower back and shot down my left leg. I called my wife at work and told her something was wrong and to come home immediately. After 2 visits with my primary doctor, we were referred to TCO and made an appointment with Dr. Nathan Wanderman. At my first appointment, he saw things in my MRI that others had not. It turned out I had a degenerative disc and a bulging disc that was pinching the nerve that ran down my left leg. I was barely able to walk without assistance. Dr. Wanderman was able to get me in for surgery by September and performed a double fusion surgery. He performed a Lumbar 4 – Sacral 1 ALIF and 2 days later performed Lumbar 4 Sacral 1 PLDF. I am so grateful for what Dr. Wanderman has given back to me. I walk with no problems. I’m able to hold my baby again. For being such a scary time in my life, he and his staff really made my wife and I feel that we were making the right decision. Speaking of his staff, I was nearly a weekly caller prior to and after surgery with questions. They were always prompt in returning my call no matter the question and were always happy to answer any concerns my wife and I had. Long story short, Dr. Nathan Wanderman and his staff have given me my life back, and my wife and I couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you again to everyone who made this surgery a success.

I left my second visit with Dr. Miller thinking, “I wish Dr. Miller was certified for every phase of medicine. I would go to him for everything! He is that good: friendly, compassionate, very skilled and knowledgeable. His nurse Wendi is exceptional as well.

I had the distinct privilege of having received a left shoulder replacement from Dr. Johnson. From the first meeting with his nursing assistant, Jen Perillo, I knew I had found staff that would be supportive through the process of the shoulder replacement. Though, through no fault of Dr. Johnson, the replacement separated, and the surgery had to be replaced again. The second surgery was successful. Through the after care, Dr. Johnson and Ms. Perillo showed the ultimate in care and concern. The recovery process has been slow and steady with consistent follow-up from the surgeon and nursing staff.  If you should be so fortunate to schedule surgery through Dr. Johnson’s office, you will find some competent and caring professionals.

I’ve had both shoulders rotator cuff surgery. Victoria Notch is my physical therapist at the Hudson TCO location. She has done a great job helping me to recover from these surgeries. I’m extremely happy with the care she’s given me.

I was seen by Dr. Johnson for what the ER stated was a ruptured achilles tendon. Upon my first appointment, Dr. Johnson was very personable and did a thorough exam of my left calf and achilles. He informed me that it was not my achilles, it was my calf and that he wanted me to have an MRI to see where the calf tear/strain was. My first MRI was denied and Dr. Johnson had a peer-to-peer eval with my insurance company and was able to get my MRI approved. Dr. Johnson has been a pleasure to work with out of both the Woodbury and Eagan locations. I would recommend him to anyone that needs his assistance. After about two months of PT and follow up appointments with Dr. Johnson, I am heading back to work! Thanks again for a pleasurable experience.

I had an ankle replacement in December 2024 by Dr. Mittelsteadt. I have a whole new life, thanks to Dr Mittelsteadt and staff. Thank you so much for being such a caring doctor.

Highly recommend Dr. James Bircher and his wonderful team; I have anxiety issues and considered backing out at the last minute – so thankful I didn’t, not one bit of anxiety.

The care given to me made me so relaxed and I felt comfortable the entire time, Dr. Bircher was up to check on me first thing in the morning, shout out to my physical therapy team also- so encouraging! I was back to work in about 2 1/2 months – probably could have gone before that, but doctor’s orders. Scar is so minimal some people thought it just looked like a scratch!

Great team – I will go to them in the future if needed, although I’m hoping not. Thank you, Dr. Bircher and team.

I saw Dr. James Bircher for a right hip replacement and issues with my left hip replacement done by a different doctor. My right hip replacement was done via the anterior method, which Dr. Bircher specializes in and he did an excellent job on mine. My recovery was smooth and I’m almost pain free now. He’s always been patient with me and he explains my care thoroughly. He has never been rushed to get to the next patient. His staff and the front desk at TCO have always been excellent. I don’t have to wait long to get seen and they are always polite and pleasant. Dr. Bircher’s PA, Kari Gabrielse, and Care Coordinator, Cassie, are also top notch! I highly recommend Dr. Bircher and TCO!

I have used Dr. Jeffrey Mair for past knee surgeries. When I was ready for replacement I knew I would only go to Dr. Mair. From the first visit to the day of the surgery Dr. Mair and his team help me along and answered every question, concern I had. The day of the surgery, everything was great. The evening of the surgery in recovery Dr. Mair was in my room checking on me, sit and discussing the replacement and more important want to talk about anything and was not in a hurry to leave. My recovery has been great at TCO Waconia being my focus to get back to everyday life.

I had a knee replacement by another different practice and doctor, I was in more pain than before, but they kept telling me I’m okay. Then I was referred to Dr. Joseph Nessler, and he immediately identified the problem, my replacement was not centered properly which caused the replacement to hang over the edge of my bone.

Dr. Nessler performed a knee revision (2nd replacement), and I could immediately feel the difference. A year out and am looking forward to a life with less pain and being more active. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Nessler!