Patient Testimonials

If you are looking for the best possible experience in having a knee replacement, go no further than Dr. Szalapski. He is an excellent surgeon with great bedside manners. His staff, Katheryn Wilson, PA-C and Jessica are of the same caliber.  Thank you, Mike S.

I was surprised six years ago when I started having trouble with my left knee. By the end, it would swell to twice it’s normal size, and I was extremely limited in my activities and in a great deal of pain. A friend had two knee replacements had recommended Dr. Szalapski. I had my first knee replacement in October 2012. The outcome was excellent. This spring, my right knee went downhill extremely quickly, as with my first knee. It would become very swollen, walking and standing was very painful, and it kept me up at night. I had my second knee replaced in July of this year. I had another successful recovery, and the outcome again was excellent. This time, I think having already been through the experience, my recovery has been easier and quicker. With both surgeries, physical therapy is required. Both times I was very religious about both going to PT and following through with the exercises. This is part of the whole patient experience which has made my recovery outcome excellent. PT has changed some of the exercises and routines, which has helped strengthen my knee and leg. I have people who tell me not to take pain pills after surgery. I have both times, feeling it is necessary to do the required exercises to regain total use of my knee. Part of the care, is to make sure use of the pain medication is limited in a time frame while recovering. It was not hard for me either time to discontinue use, this time faster than the first time.  Circumstances this time required me to be much more active during recovery. While hard, it turned out to be a gift. The whole staff who support Dr. Szalapski are all outstanding, all being supportive, encouraging and great. It is hard work to recover total movement. I sincerely feel the whole team gave me all the tools to recover. I could not have done it without them!

I had surgery with Dr. Crowe a couple years ago. I meant to leave my story then but forgot. Dr. Crowe fused my L3L4L5 and I was very happy with him and the work he did for me. He has a great team with him and I would recommend Dr. Crowe and his team to anyone who wants the best surgeon helping them. He really cared about me and my situation. Thank you Dr. Crowe!

My left knee replacement with Dr. Meyer truly changed my life. My knee pain disappeared and I can do things that I couldn’t do before the operation.

Dr. Deal and his assistant are rock stars. After suffering through weeks of excruciating nerve pain radiating down my neck, shoulder blades, shoulder, biceps, forearm and extending into wrist, index finger and thumb on left hand I found immediate relief with Dr. Deal and staff. Just three days past the disk replacement surgery the pain is all but gone. Patient experiences through all phases of the process have met and exceeded my wildest expectations.

Dear Dr. Meisterling,

Yesterday I celebrated the one year anniversary of my knee replacement. How? I stepped to the top of our state’s capitol to view the newly refurbished Quadriga without pain or hesitation! I am thankful to God. I am thankful for your exacting skill as surgeon. I am thankful to all who assisted me throughout my healing process.

Many persons have questioned me about my procedure. I share with all that it is life-changing and worth the journey. (I also give them your contact info.)

In gratitude,
Diane

PS. There are countless stairs in the capitol building; the final rise to the golden horses includes 63 steps-worth the journey 🙂

I shopped two different orthopedic surgeons prior to meeting with Dr. Kruse about my knee. I like many things about Dr. Kruse. First of all, he is honest with his assessment and is personable. He discussed the technical side of my surgery which the other two doctors omitted. As I have suffered with no medial meniscus for years on my left knee, my leg was bowed in. Dr. Kruse explained that he would need to realign my knee which was never brought up with the other doctors. He also put in a different artificial knee than the other two doctors were proposing. The other doctors told me the limitations of their knee. They said I wouldn’t be able to kneel on the knee, no jumping down on the knee, etc. With Dr. Kruse, he said I could run, jump, kneel, etc. As I am a very active person, that really appealed to me. It has been 9 months since my knee replacement. I walked over 3 miles on Labor Day, have walked 9 holes of golf numerous times this summer, can bike again and mow my lawn. I couldn’t do any of these things last summer. I couldn’t be happier. It is like a new lease on life. I would recommend Dr. Kruse to anyone who is considering a joint replacement surgery. He was recommended to me by a friend, now I am paying it forward by recommending him to others.

I think TCO, Dr. Meyer and staff are the best, follow the instructions, if you have any questions they are there to help you right away. I have had excellent results with two hip surgeries, you are the best. Thank you.

Dr. Mair – I want to thank you for fixing both of my hips! I was pretty lost and disillusioned when I came to see you and you helped me through the process twice. I didn’t think I was up to the challenge but you were really kind, encouraging, helpful and honest about what I was facing. You made a difficult situation possible. I was really fortunate to find you and your whole team and I just want to thank you again.

This is a very invasive surgery with a difficult recovery. The care I received from Dr. Mair and his staff was exceptional. The team at Ridgeview Medical Center was outstanding. Dr. Mair showed genuine care for me through the entire process. And while the first month was a challenge, I am now nine months after the surgery and living without any knee pain! Thank you!