Patient Testimonials

I am an active person, usually not in significant pain. When I injured myself, my husband had to help me get out of bed, put on my shoes and help me walk. I had a ruptured disc involving the sciatic nerve, causing extreme pain down my left leg to my toes. I got in for an appointment quickly at TCO, had x-rays the same day and an MRI the next. When I saw Dr. Deal, he explained my injury which demonstrated weakness in my foot and toes, indicating probable nerve damage. He explained how this could very well become permanent if not dealt with soon, with surgery being the best fix. I had a discectomy with Dr. Deal about 10 days later. In pre-op, Dr. Deal and some of the surgical team stopped by to say hi and were very kind and reassuring. Since the surgery, my pain is gone and I have my life back. There is just a short, narrow scar along my spine. My surgery was August 20, 2019 and today is October 29th. Dr. Deal is a talented and concerned surgeon with his patients best interest in mind. He is also surrounded by capable and caring staff, especially his PA, Nate. You will be in good hands.

Both of my hips were bad and needed to be replaced. I could barely walk into a store or walk more than 200 feet without experiencing extreme pain. Now, after my hips have been replaced and healed, I often forget that I have new hips! It is still unbelievable what the hip replacement has done for me, I’m back to normal. Dr. Meyer did a great job!

Dr. Kelly is an incredible expert in shoulder surgery in my opinion. His team is so knowledgeable and understanding.

My knee was very bad before surgery with Dr. Meyer. Now I can do almost everything like walking stairs and take care of my house on my own. I am going to Montana in December and Australia and New Zealand in February. Thank you!

My issues were not knee replacements but repairing and removing my meniscus. Dr. Comfort repaired my right meniscus 2 years ago. And just 3 weeks ago, he repaired the left meniscus. Dr. Comfort and his team, Ashton (PA) and Molly (CA), are the best from start to finish! I recommend Dr. Comfort to anyone I know (and even people I don’t) when it comes to a trusting and honest surgeon. I have known Dr. Comfort and his team for 3 years now and consider them my friends! Thank you.

I have my life back because of the perfect surgeon I chose! Dr. Scott Holthusen did 2 surgeries 2 years apart but perfectly matched! At 58 I could have never done a 5K for Lifetime or go to Alcatraz and walk up 13 stories to see the cell block or go to Hearst Castle and stand on 24 karat gold! Thanks!!!!

Dr. O’Neill and his team performed my anterior approach hip replacement 9 weeks ago. From the first consult to the post-op follow-up, I have been totally impressed with the teams courtesy and professionalism. I consider my surgery to be a total success. Within hours of the surgery I was up and walking with minimal pain. I was able to discharge from the patient care suite the day after surgery using only a cane for support. Now, 9 weeks post-surgery, I have resumed many of the athletic activities my arthritic hip prevented me from doing prior to surgery. I now consider my new hip my “good hip”. I will not hesitate to return to Dr. O’Neill for any future surgery.

I want to thank Dr. Edward Szalapski, M.D and Tracy Chisholm, P.A very, very much for the care taken on my 93 year old mother who had reverse total shoulder replacement. Our mother woke up from surgery and stated that she has essentially been pain-free since the surgery. She hasn’t even taken any narcotic medication. She only needs Tylenol when she feels some discomfort as she improves. She has healed wonderfully and continues her therapy and improves every day. It’s unbelievable what this doctor has accomplished for our mother. She is so much happier and able to move about without pain. Our mothers goal is to live to 104 and she wants to continue bowling. Now it’s all possible. Thank you so much for improving her quality of life. You and your staff are truly blessed with a wonderful gift.

Dr. Cammack is an outstanding doctor. He is very caring and listens to his patients concerns. I would highly recommend him!

I have been a patient of Dr. Crowe for 24 years with history of degenerative disc disease. Over the years, Dr. Crowe has performed 3 laminectomies and even helped out with a nagging bunion. To his surprise, following each procedure, I returned back to my cubical at my employer sooner and sooner; far less time than anticipated for recovery. Over the years I would have discomfort in my lower back. I would have good and not so good pain level days. My go to was not narcotics, they just mask the pain. I learned to manage my discomfort by eating healthy nutrient foods, rich greens, proteins, staying active, using breathing relaxation and Tylenol when needed.

Over the past year I noticed a burning pain in my right leg when walking a short distance. Then 6 months ago the pain radiated to my left leg. Based on prior visits and conversations with Dr. Crowe, we often discussed fusion to help relieve my lower back discomfort.

The appointment that changed it all!
I was mentally prepared for spinal fusion, however, the x-ray revealed that I had arthritis in both hips; right far worse than left. Next step – hip replacement surgery. Wait! My mind wasn’t ready to hear hip replacement surgery.

Best decision!
Surgery completed on 9/12/2019. Saturday 9/14 I was walking 570 feet with a cane. Monday 9/16 I was walking 570 feet 2-3 times daily and only carrying my cane as a just in case. 9/18 no cane needed. With the ability to work from home during my recovery I started back to work full time 5 days after my surgery. By my 2 week follow-up I was climbing stairs with support of both legs. No, I’m not walking my prior pace just yet but will be very soon.

Shout Outs!
Dr. Crowe – couldn’t ask for a better surgeon. My daily pain level went from a 6-7 to 1-3, and will decrease more over time.

North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center – fantastic staff and team of nurses. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.

EXCEL program – highly recommend. Far better than a hospital setting for overnight stay.

Thank you Dr. Crowe, TCO, NMASC, EXCEL program and staff who assisted with my surgery and after care.
– Paula W.