Patient Testimonials

I had a left hip replacement through the TCO EXCEL Program done by Dr. Arntson and within a few weeks, I had no use for a walker or cane. The surgery was perfect and Dr. Arntson was always there if I had a question or a concern. I totally recommend Dr. Arntson!

I have always been a competitor. I love the thrill of a race and physical fitness has now been even more important to me as I am a mom. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a hip labral tear with a FAI. It was slowing me down so I sought the help of Dr. Christopher Larson at TCO. In October 2017 I had the surgery. The procedure went well and I knew it was going to be a slow recovery but I worked hard at physical therapy and counted down the days until I could get back to running and yoga.

However, life threw me a curve ball. Fast forward 4 weeks later, something started to feel “off.” My TCO team was not concerned right away, as I had been following post-op instructions to the letter. However, after a few days concerns started to grow. After an MRI, I found out somehow (still a head scratcher) I had broken my femoral head clean off my femur. I am still Dr. Larson’s medical mystery. I was rushed the next day to emergency surgery and I was crushed with the news that I would not even be able to touch my toe to the ground for 6 weeks, plus many months of physical therapy. As a mom, I was crushed – how was I going to do this? I could not drown in my sorrows so I committed hard. I took zero narcotics post surgery – I need to be able to have a clear head and drive. I went to physical therapy twice a week for 4 months – I needed to be stronger after my surgery than before. I worked hard at home even when I was tired. My daughter and husband were my rocks. Ella, who is 6, even lent me her balance beam to do my exercises on – it was a family affair. Six months to the date of my surgery, I completed a 5K pain free and beat my pre-surgery record time. I cried for the first time. I can’t even describe that moment. I still have hard days and some days I can still feel everything, mentally and physically. In the end, this journey made me so much stronger and I am on my way to completing a half-marathon this summer. Thank you, Dr. Larson, for the amazing care. Thank you TCO for getting me back to being a mom and helping show my daughter that obstacles are worth overcoming.

Before surgery I had, at times, severe pain in both my knee and hip. I was unable to do stairs without feeling pain. Now I can run down them pain free. Thanks Dr. O’Keefe!

Everything went great! I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. Pain free! Both Dr. O’Keefe and Nathan Dumm were wonderful. I would never consider going anywhere else.

I am so thankful for Dr. Conner doing a successful surgery to replace my worn out left hip in August, 2017. Also with this surgery, he was able to lengthen my life-long short left leg. His knowledge and skills for this surgery have brought me freedom from pain and mobility for my daily activities. Now one year following the surgery, I am able to be out planting flowers and help mow our yard. I am also thankful for his referral for physical therapy to help my body adjust to the changes from surgery.

Thanks to Shawn and all her work to set up the surgery and answer questions.

This was my second surgery with Dr. Conner. I am pleased with my treatment and care, and will continue seeing him for my orthopedic concerns.

Dr. Conner has replaced both a knee and a hip for me with no problems whatsoever. He listened to my concerns, offered options for treatment from least invasive to total replacement, and proceeded with my requests. I will be back for another hip replacement with all the confidence in a successful procedure.

My hip pain started shortly after I had a work related injury. TCO also rebuilt my ankle, but my therapist was not getting the range of motion she felt I should have had in my hip. Further tests showed arthritis had deteriorated my hip joint. Coming off of joint surgery for my ankle, I wanted to wait on surgery so I tried other options for my hip. None helped long term so Dr. Meyer performed a hip replacement surgery in January. I am more than pleased with the results. My hip continues to get stronger and I have lost 16 lbs in the past two months because of more physical activity. My wife and I had our bikes overhauled and I am picking them up this week. I would recommend this surgery, for anyone considering it.

Steve

I went to my family doctor with a lot of pain in my right hip. He right away referred me to Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Owen O’Neill. He said that if his mother had a bad hip, this was the doctor he wanted her to see. Dr. O’Neill took x-rays and examined me and said the hip would only get worse in time and that I should let him replace it. As it was, I could no longer golf or drive without using my hand under my right knee to lift my foot from the gas pedal to the break and vice versa. I couldn’t do stairs!

Still, I put off surgery for a while and when I could no longer stand the pain, I put aside my fears of surviving surgery (at my age of 77) and asked him to help me. He replaced my hip and after 2 days I was home on a walker. 10 days later walking around my house with a cane and then on my next visit, I was walking on my own just like my old self. NO CANE and NO LIMP. J Soon playing golf with my friends and teenage grandchildren.

I just had my 5 year re-check and am doing fine. I will see Dr. O’Neill in another 5 years. Oh yeah, I have a very small almost invisible scar on the front of my right thigh at hip level. We are blessed to have Twin Cities Orthopedics here in our area and of course Dr. Owen O’Neill.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Constance S.

I used to consider if I went downstairs to do laundry, I would be limited in other things for 2-3 days and pain at night would be terrible. Now I say all the time, ‘I love my new hip!!’

I endured painful exercises for nearly two years as my physical therapist attempted various approaches to relieve my pain. I was shocked when my therapist informed me that I needed hip replacement surgery. I spent hours researching hip replacement surgery and was interested in the Anterior Approach. Testimonials for Dr. Owen O’Neill on TCO’s website impressed me, and I scheduled an appointment with him.

Dr. O’Neill reviewed my x-rays showing deterioration of the left hip cartilage resulting in bone-on-bone. He thoroughly explained the Anterior Approach Hip Replacement, and I scheduled surgery. The mandatory class at Fairview Southdale was helpful, and the pre-surgery exercises were beneficial.

The entire experience has been amazing. A few hours after surgery, I used my walker for a short walk to the nurses station. I then asked my nurse if we could walk further as I was thoroughly enjoying this without any pain. I went home the next day with no therapy, other than walking, and no restrictions, other than dancing the “Twist”.

While at home, I only used my walker for three days. I then discarded my cane after tripping on it during the first two minutes of usage. I proceeded to carefully walk around the house without assistance. I had pain medication – 1/2 tablet twice daily – for maybe 10 days. I didn’t even need Tylenol after that.

Life is good! At 77 years of age, I continue my daily 40 minutes of treadmill in addition to unlimited activities keeping me more than busy! I only experience a small amount of swelling after the treadmill, but no stiffness or pain. A special “Thanks” to Dr. Owen O’Neill and his amazing staff, Jessie and Ann. The front desk has also been exceptionally friendly and efficient. Yes, I anticipate future pain in my other hip and a repeat of this amazing procedure.