Patient Testimonials

Dr. Tim Panek and his staff, as well as the EXCEL Program staff and PT gals, were wonderful. I had both hips replaced during 2019. The first in February; the second in June. Everything was explained to me before/during/after the surgeries. And if I had questions, I would call and get immediate answers. The PT clinched it. So important to help me gain back my strength and return to my normal activity level, including walking, hiking, biking, Jazzercise (for 26 years!), and simply, LIFE! I would highly recommend Dr. Panek!

I had to have my left hip replaced at only 52 years old. I was scared to do it but Dr. Peterson seemed to really have an understanding of what was needed and was able to put my mind at ease. The surgery went very well and everyone at the Fairview Hospital in Wyoming was fantastic. I needed to be able to get back to work in the gardens and on the tractor as soon as possible. The gardening took a little longer but I was able to get on the mower and tractor by weeks two and three (with a little help from my husband). My one year check-up was this past summer and it’s like I never even had hip trouble.

Right from the start I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Arntson. He told me everything I needed to know about my right hip replacement surgery and answered all of my questions. I felt confident and positive about Dr. Arntson and the surgery, which I believe helped the outcome. I feel great! I felt good right after the surgery and it only improved as time went on. Here at the 4 week mark I have no pain and my mobility is amazing. This surgery with Dr. Arntson is near to miraculous. I have my life back and I know shortly I will be able to do all the things I love to do. I know that if I need this procedure in my left hip in the future, Dr. Arntson will be my go to doctor. Thank you for giving me my life back!

I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations. Before my left hip started giving me trouble, I was very active at the club doing HIIT, barre and spinning classes, but I gradually had to stop. I wish I didn’t wait a year and a half before finally deciding to go through a total hip replacement. Dr. O’Neill was highly recommended by a friend, so I decided to go through with it. Since this would be my first surgery, I was very nervous about pain, having to depend on pain medications and physical therapy. I thought I would be laid up for a couple months or more. To my surprise, I had no pain at all and took only Tylenol for 10 days (no opioids). The only physical therapy needed was walk, walk, walk and a few leg exercises. I was able to walk around my cul-de-sac with a walker the second day home and I ditched the walker after 5 days. I’ve gradually increased my walking to 3 miles per day. All of my friends and family thought I was a “rock star,” they couldn’t believe how well I was doing in such a short time. Now after 8 weeks, I am able to get back to the club and resume all my normal activities. I have, and definitely will always, recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone with hip, shoulder or knee issues.

I had a right hip replacement by Dr. Owen O’Neill in October 2018 when I was 77 years old. Prior to surgery I had a significant limp, could not stand longer than ten minutes because of pain and it was difficult for me to bend and put a shoe on my right foot. The surgery corrected all of these problems. I currently walk over one hour almost daily without pain, limping or other difficulties. Dr. O’Neill’s office staff, especially Ann Sugrue, were very helpful. She would immediately relay any question I had to Dr. O’Neill if he was not available. I have referred other people to Dr. O’Neill who also have had very successful hip replacements. He is a very skilled and compassionate surgeon who wants to help his patients lead a better and more productive life.

I am so pleased with my surgical experience. Facing a total hip replacement can be scary. The experience went so much better than I expected. I know every person is different but, at the end of 6 weeks, I have no pain or discomfort. Dr. Arntson – thanks for your skill and encouragement.

I had a great experience with Dr. O’Neill and his staff with having both of my hips replaced. I was in pain for years before I was able to work with Dr. O’Neill. He and all of his staff were excellent in working with me on getting prepared for the surgeries. Ann, his scheduler, was so thorough in making sure I had all necessary forms and procedures done both before and after surgery. She was so pleasant and professional to work with. His Physician Assistant, Jessie, was also very thorough and communicative in making sure I knew exactly what to expect both before and after the surgeries. She alleviated any worries I may have had. After surgery, I was surprised at how quickly I healed – I only needed pain medication for a few days and then had no need for any more. I had both hips replaced within a 5 month period. I am now back to living the life I had before – I can do all daily activities pain free! I was back to playing softball and tennis within 8 weeks of my second surgery. I am grateful to have my life back! I have already recommended people to both Dr. O’Neill and Twin Cities Orthopedics to have their hips done. Dr. O’Neill was recommended to me and he is the best! Thank you!!

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.

Had a hip replacement November 2017. I considered myself pretty active and with officiating 4 sports, my hip got so bad that I was in tremendous pain and thought I would have to give officiating up. Met with Dr. Knowlan and he started the game plan for me to have a total left hip replacement in the EXCEL program. What a life changer that was. Surgery went extremely well and I followed all his directions on recovering from the surgery. I couldn’t believe how quickly I recovered from the surgery. I was back to umpiring in the spring of 2018 and basketball in 2018-19. I have had no problems with my left hip at all. I would recommend hip replacements to anyone needing one, just follow what TCO and Dr. Knowlan tells you, and you will recover 100% with no problems like I did.

One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life was to have hip replacement surgery done by Dr. Knowlan and his fine staff!