Patient Testimonials

Bruce N., who works for Eagle Valley Bank in St. Croix Falls, scheduled himself for rotator cuff surgery last August to repair a substantial ¾ inch tear. “I love to golf and hunt,” he explained, “so surgery had to be between seasons ––after golf and before deer hunting!” Bruce made a point to note that he did give up bird hunting to rehab his shoulder! He declined a post-surgery hospital stay and only had severe pain for a day or two. “Because I’d been through this surgery before, I knew what to expect,” he said. “I took Thursday and Friday off and planned to be at work on Monday, which I was.”

The first two-three weeks were the most difficult since Bruce is right-handed. “Friends told me to be prepared and they were right, but it was still a struggle. Try eating, shaving, brushing your teeth, and so on left-handed,” he said. “It was challenging! Overall, though, I had a great experience with the Medical Center, Dr. Steven Meisterling, and all who took care of me!”

Jerry, a financial consultant and diabetic living in St. Croix Falls, finally scheduled himself for a total shoulder replacement surgery this past December. “I’d had arthritis in my right shoulder for many years, but kept putting off surgery,” Wyatt explained. “I’d played golf regularly for many years, but eventually my shoulder began to hurt too much to play. Even worse, I wasn’t sleeping well any longer either. Eventually, my shoulder started to drop for no reason and I couldn’t even drink a cup of coffee without spilling!”

On the advice of Wyatt’s family doctor, SCRMC Internist Jim Wallace, Jerry finally made an appointment with Dr. Steven Meisterling. “Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Meisterling have an excellent reputation for the surgery, and given my experience, they certainly deserve it!” “I was born in the Baker House and delivered by Dr. Jake Riegel long before this hospital existed,” Wyatt continued, “so to have a team of specialists like this available locally in this very modern hospital is simply wonderful! It was also a tremendous convenience for me and my family to be here at SCRMC for my care and surgery.”

Rob, a retired Lindstrom resident, had been living with level 8 or 9 (i.e. very bad) pain for two years because of degenerative arthritis in both shoulders. His right shoulder was most in need of repair because calcium build-up and bone loss had made the use of his right arm agonizing, and rehabilitation and medication failed to contain it. “Going into surgery, there was the possibility of a partial or a total replacement,” said Rob, “but due to bone loss, only a partial replacement was possible.”

After his hemi-arthroplasty surgery, Rob made note of the “excellent care” he received from his primary provider, Dr. Jamey Sotis, and from his surgeon,  Dr. Steven Meisterling. “I felt very comfortable in the OR, and appreciated all the explanation and detail on what would be happening,” he said. “I wouldn’t have chosen to go anywhere else.” He was hospitalized for just two days after surgery, followed by eight weeks of therapy and an arm sling. Robertson also commented that “my rehab at the Lindstrom Clinic was excellent and very personalized.” His pain continued to decrease as strength and use of his arm increased.

“Dr. Hunt analyzed my previous scan and report, did a thorough physical evaluation and clearly explained my current injury,” said Gary A. (pictured on left) of Minneapolis. After recently suffering a shoulder injury, Gary scheduled an appointment with Allan Hunt, MD (pictured on right), of Twin Cities Orthopedics – Edina. “He took the time to listen carefully and responded in a friendly, caring and respectful way,” he said. “I also appreciated his sense of humor and down to earth manner. A great first encounter!”

Maureen S., from Orono (pictured on left), has had numerous surgeries with Edward Szalapski, MD (pictured on right) of Twin Cities Orthopedics, including two total knee replacements, rotator cuff surgery, and wrist surgery. “I feel completely confident and blessed with Dr. Szalapski,” she said. Maureen explains that thanks to the compassionate staff members and thorough follow-up, her time with Twin Cities Orthopedics has “been without a doubt, the best medical experience ever.”

Dale B. has been a patient of Joseph Teynor, MD for various orthopedic issues over the years, including his right arm and his knees. After suffering a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder, Dale opted to rehabilitate his shoulder through a physical therapy exercise program. He can now effectively use his shoulder again and is able to serve while playing tennis.Thanks to his positive initial experience with Twin Cities Orthopedics (pictured left to right: Michelle Carrywater, Care Coordinator, Dale, Dr Teynor, Troy Evenson, PA-C) Dale decided to come to Dr. Teynor for the constant pain that had surfaced in both of his knees. “I appreciated his frankness and honesty,” he said. He had his left knee replaced and says it is “working well but my right knee tells me it’s time to be fixed.” Dale plans to have Dr. Teynor perform the surgery within the year.