Patient Testimonials

Dr. Gerlach did a wonderful job. He gave me options on what I could do instead of having surgery, which I tried first but it didn’t work. He explained exactly what my procedure would consist of and made me feel comfortable before and during the surgery. Very professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Gerlach for any hand or wrist problems that you might have.

No hidden agenda in this post. I am a 52-year-old, white, obese female with borderline diabetes and osteoarthritis who was seeking a full knee replacement. Let the story begin!

I am writing this for patients who delay, for those who are afraid, for those who cannot decide, and for those who think, “I can’t do this.” Take a moment and listen to my story. It will not only get you to change medical doctors/clinics, but also let you know, “If I can do this, you can do this!” 

Five and a half years ago, I began seeing Dr. Thomas Comfort. I was bone-on-bone and had a destroyed meniscus.  On April 19, 2016, Dr. Comfort and his team completed a full knee replacement on my right knee (yes, the leg I drive with). Today, I have not one regret. My life is forever changed. This opinion is based upon the guidance I received; the support I received from medical staff; the precision of the knee replacement procedure; and the support I received overall from Dr. Comfort and his staff. They are amazing!

In October 2015, I watched and cared for my older sister when she had her knee replacement. It was at this point I realized preparation was not just important, but pertinent. I began the exercises outlined to build all of my leg muscles. I used an elliptical we had at home. On January 31, 2016, I quit smoking after nearly 30 years of smoking. I enrolled in the Quit Plan Program. On March 3, I joined Weight Watchers. I began eating healthier and exercising passionately. On April 19, 2016, the day of my surgery, I weighed in at 28.7 pounds less than my pre operative assessment with Dr. Comfort.

I was discharged from the hospital on April 21 and admitted to a transitional care unit. I was discharged from this facility after 10 days. Shortly after discharge, I was informed that my replacement post operative care was denied by insurance. This was a huge setback for me. I was scheduled for my second knee replacement on May 23. Emotionally and intellectually I was devastated. How could I afford to repay this debt when I did everything I was supposed to? The denial was because I “walked 200 steps before being discharged from the hospital.” I began working on my appeal and, AGAIN, Dr. Comfort and his staff supported me in this endeavor without hesitation. I was notified on May 2 that my insurance reversed their decision and agreed to pay for the entire replacement. My appeal documentation was over 19 pages. Hard work paid off!

I started outpatient therapy, and within four weeks my therapist indicated she had never discharged someone after five sessions. At this point my range was 135; average for a knee recipient, at best, is 120. We took two weeks off. I returned for three more sessions to support things such as getting off the floor, building my muscles in my hips, and gaining a stable gait. June 14 I graduated from outpatient therapy.

As of today, I have lost a total of 42 pounds, nine inches in my hips, and four inches in my chest. My healing is not over, but I continue to work to be healthy and mobile for future grandchildren. It was not easy. It was so painful—the worst I ever felt. However, my physician and professionals working with me did an astonishing job reinforcing the need to exercise and pushed me thru the pain. I am planning on a second knee replacement in April 2017.

What are your plans for your knee? If I can do it, seriously, anyone can!

Thank you so much!

Dr. Christian DuBois is not only a skilled and gifted surgeon but an excellent communicator.  He has completed 2 cervical fusions for me C6&C7 2012 and C5&C6 May 2016.  Both fusions although different in technique have been highly successful in relieving constant headaches, severe arm and neck pain.  Dr. DuBois was always very conscientious in explaining options and procedure, never rushing our appointments, while always listening to my concerns.  He empowered me as a patient in letting me know the final decision was mine. To quote my husband, “He is a miracle worker.”  It cannot go without saying Dr. DuBois’ assistant Bonnie is a one of a kind, efficient, caring, and compassionate person.  She has seemed like a lifeline for me on many occasions.  I will continue to recommend Dr. DuBois and his team with the greatest of confidence. A simple thank you does not seem like enough.

After almost completely giving up, I found Dr. Kelly online. I will never forget the day I was in his office for my appointment. The first thing Dr. Kelly said was, “There is always hope!” He listened to me with compassion, and addressed my concerns.   He then brought in the ultrasound and took a look for himself.  He discussed the fairly new Tenex procedure  and stated he felt I would be a good candidate for this.  I had complete faith in him, and agreed I would give the surgery a try. The procedure was fairly new. The folks from Tenex came up to Minnesota and were present in the surgery room when he did my procedure. No medication was needed other than a local shot to numb my elbow.  I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. After a short 10 minute stay in recovery, I was able to leave and even drive myself home. I had my procedure on Friday, and the following Monday I was back to work.  My pain was gone, and continues to be.  I am now three years post-surgery.  I still think about Dr. Kelly and his team. They truly saved my life. The pain had gotten the best of me.  Dr. Kelly and his team were professional, experienced, and definitely patient advocates.  Dr. Kelly also delivered  100% quality care at an affordable price.  I would highly recommend him and will visit him again when it’s time to have the procedure on my right elbow. Thanks Dr. Kelly and team.

My daughter, Alison, tore her ACL 13 months ago in an AAU basketball game. It was a violent collision that left Alison wondering if she would ever play basketball again. This was very traumatic for her because she was a highly rated player with a number of potential scholarship opportunities. Her initial diagnosis was incorrect and, with the urging of college coaches that were recruiting her for basketball, we decided to get a second opinion and MRI which revealed a complete ACL tear, bone bruising, sprained MCL and some cartilage damage (did not know the extent at the time). The first surgeon said she had two choices: no surgery and attempt to play her senior season and not play in college, or have the surgery and miss most, if not all of the season, but be ready for college. On top of that, it would be almost a month before he could operate. This was heart breaking news and left Alison in very poor spirits. Her White Bear Lake High School team was returning most of the players from the previous year and was the favorite to return to the state tournament the following spring. She was determined to have the surgery and still play her senior year. We decided to look at other options and fellow athletes recommended Dr. Saterbak.

We met with Dr. Saterbak on a Friday and she had surgery the following Wednesday! Alison smiled for the first time in weeks after that meeting. Dr. Saterbak could see no reason she couldn’t return to play that season and would do everything she could to help her. We targeted January as a return date. The surgical care at High Pointe Surgery Center was top notch and the surgery was successful with no further cartilage damage found. Alison then started the long road to recovery. The summer was tough as she followed her AAU basketball team around, including going to Cincinnati, over July 4th. Her quad still was not firing so she still struggled getting around, however, in Cincinnati it finally fired and Alison was now able to walk and begin the next step of rehab. At this time, January seemed a long way off. With that in mind, Dr. Saterbak and her physical therapists still thought that was an attainable target. With their help, Alison dove head first into her recovery and began making extreme strides. Amazingly, she passed all her physical tests in October and set her sights on returning for the very first game in late November! After consulting with her doctors, she was cleared to start practicing in early November and did start the first game of the season. She made the all-tournament team. Alison’s minutes were managed by her coach during the regular season to save her for the end. While she had some pain in the knee, it never really swelled and was very stable. Late in the season, she was undercut and landed directly on the repaired knee, causing her to miss some games at the end of the season. We met with Dr. Saterbak and it was determined that the ACL knee was tighter and stronger than the good knee and we were hopeful she could play in the playoffs.
Alison returned to help her team to the State Tournament where they beat the number two ranked team in the state and finished fourth! She topped it off by making the All-Tournament team and was selected to play in the State All-Star Game. She also accepted a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

We have no doubt that none of this would have been possible without the care and direction of Dr. Saterbak. Her willingness to help Alison recover this season played a huge role in her return.

We are now a year out since the initial surgery. Alison is pain free and no longer wears a knee brace and has complete confidence in her knee and the work of Dr. Saterbak.

Today I am 5 weeks post-surgery for my knee replacement. Dr. Lewis did a fantastic job on my knee and of course, we can’t forget about his PA, Libby. The two of them always give me excellent care. Since my progress has been superb, today is my last day of physical therapy. What a team. They have taken care of me for years. Thank you.

I had two knee replacements with Dr. Michael Meisterling and his PA, Shaun O’Keefe. I had my left knee done about 4 months ago and my right knee 4 weeks ago. I had a wonderful experience with the surgery. The surgery center at Lakeview in Stillwater was great and the nurses and staff, as well as Dr. Meisterling, made me very comfortable. Even the food was great! I would definitely recommend Dr. Meisterling to anyone considering a knee replacement.

I have had tears in both of my shoulders involving the labrum to each side for the past 5 years or so. I also learned through MRIs that my labrums weren’t developed normally to the socket, and so I endured loose shoulder joints throughout my life. I tried everything from conservative therapy pre-surgery, as well as attempting to “tough it out” and limiting myself from most aspects of any sport. Having an athletic personality I felt continuously frustrated and saw no improvements in stability. Eventually I decided it was time to take action and see a surgeon.

Twin Cities Orthopedics introduced me to Dr. Eggert. The medical knowledge this man has is incredible, he was able to answer all questions I had and explained in great detail the arthroscopic procedures. I knew pretty quickly I was in good hands between Dr. Eggert and his staff. I had my right shoulder operated on mid-February, and the left shoulder done later in March. As I progressed with my therapy program I noticed stability in my shoulder like never before.

I am now a total of four months post-op since my first surgery. Every day I notice improvements and am so thankful and happy with the surgeries. It is a long recovery, but I have been so happy with the results. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Cathy Carrabre (Physical Therapist) who did an amazing job.

This has been a life changing experience. In a year or so from now I should be able to resume all activities I have missed out on for so long without restrictions. 10/10 experience. You guys are the best.

I applaud all of your great nurses and physical therapists for the great care I received in your overnight unit in Edina. I found all the nurses to be tremendous, so caring and sweet. The physical therapists were also great and the room was wonderful. Overall, a super experience with your EXCEL program. Thank you so very much!

*Mary had a hip replacement with Dr. Owen O’Neill as a participant in TCO’s EXCEL program.

Dr. Karlstad, you probably don’t get feedback from most patients you see who have successful outcomes. Just wanted to send a quick note letting you know that I think the diagnosis of tendonitis in my wrist was spot on, and the cortisone shot worked amazingly well. It was a few days into it and I said to my wife, “I completely forgot about my sore wrist,” which was amazing. Prior to the treatment I couldn’t do anything without it reminding me that it was messed up. It was a major nuisance and pain.

So great job. Thanks for taking care of it.