Patient Testimonials

I had a minimally invasive right anterior hip replacement on 10/16/2015 by Dr. O’Neill. It is truly a miracle for which I am very grateful. For the first time in over 18 months, I am walking without pain. I have a range of motion that amazes me.

I had polio as a 9 year old and had 3 surgeries on both legs and feet and now have worn bilateral leg braces for 16 years because I have post-polio syndrome. I was fearful of more surgery and I think even the EXCEL staff was leery of my disabilities but I can safely say that I have made it through the surgery in excellent shape. The first time I stood up in the recovery room I knew the pain was gone!

I highly recommend this surgery to anyone who needs a new hip! I also highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and all the staff at TCO including Eileen, Alyssa & Jessie. The EXCEL nurses and PTs were also terrific. All of my appointments were timely and the front desk staff are wonderful. Dr. O’Neill is very kind and thorough and humorous and I am so thankful for him. I am a RN and have been for 40 years and we nurses are very discerning and sometimes we aren’t the best patients, but this was a truly remarkable experience for me and my husband.

Below is a letter from James, who traveled from Canada to have a hip replacement with Dr. Owen O’Neill through the EXCEL Program at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

It’s funny how life works; how small the world seems to be, and how sometimes things just happen to go just right. This is where my story begins. After several months of enduring hip pain, it became apparent that it was time for a total hip replacement (THR). One of the keys for me, and what I think was important at my age (72), was the length of recovery after the surgery. I am an avid golfer both in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and in Marco Island, Florida; an outdoor cottage guy during the Canadian summers; and a guy that you could say just can’t sit still for five minutes. I was introduced to Dr. Owen O’Neill and Twin Cities Orthopedics from a close friend here in Toronto. After a short conversation with Dr. O’Neill and a brief discussion over an X-ray I had sent him, I knew this was the perfect fit for me. The THR being performed at Excel would have me back to my life of mobility in a third of the time of other THR procedures up here in Toronto. From the moment I arrived in Minneapolis, it was evident that the Excel team provides patients with coordinated care as advertised. I experienced outstanding care from all administration, all the dedicated nurses, and especially from Dr. Owen O’Neill himself. All questions about the surgery – and more importantly for me, about my recovery – were answered. After the surgery, the first thing I uttered to my son and daughter was, “What time is my tee time?” I just felt great – recovering for a few days in the private orthopedic suite getting nothing but the best care from all the excellent nurses on staff. I can’t thank them enough for making me feel so comfortable after the surgery. After a few more days recovering in a hotel suite provided by Excel and another examination/X-ray with Dr. O’Neill, I was on my way back home to Toronto. I had my surgery on a Monday morning and I was on a plane back to Toronto on Friday afternoon, and that is all due to the expertise of Dr. O’Neill and his team. Now, a few weeks after the surgery, family and friends can’t believe how quickly I’m recovering after having had a total hip replacement. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to my follow-up X-ray in about three weeks and a discussion via phone with Dr. O’Neill to discuss when I can make it back to the first tee to shave a few strokes off the scorecard. Most sincerely, James M.- Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The treatment I received from Dr. O’Neill, the EXCEL team and TCO was fantastic! The continuity of care was complete- each doctor, nurse, therapist, PA, administrative assistant, care coordinator- you name it- everyone coordinated my care and progress in a way that is remarkable for most surgical procedures. I’m less than four months out from a full knee replacement, and able to do most things already, including daily swims half-way across the lake, one of my goals for summer here at the cabin. The only thing slowing me down now is the other knee- which also has arthritis and that I’ll be replacing later this year. Based on my experience with the first knee, I should be on cross country skis by February! I felt totally confident with Dr. O’Neill- he patiently answered ALL my questions before and after surgery- he took the time I needed to be comfortable about what would happen. Thank you to the entire team!

*Linda was a participant in TCO’s EXCEL program.