Patient Testimonials

Abbey nervously waited for her appointment with Dr. Andrea Saterbak at St. Croix Orthopedics. She had injured her knee in a high school basketball game and knew that her upcoming track and field season hinged on what the doctor had to say. As a senior at Ellsworth High School, she didn’t want to miss the rest of basketball season. More importantly, she was the favorite to win the Wisconsin state discus championship and track and field season was just months away.  She had missed the state title by only inches the year before, and she wanted one last shot to claim the championship. As the nurse called Abbey’s name, she knew her dreams and goals hung in the balance.

Click here to watch Abbey’s story

Larry was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease at the age of twenty-five and has severe spinal stenosis. He has been living with damaged discs in his lower back for the last forty years. When the pain kept him from doing the thing he loved most – riding his motorcycle– Larry turned to Dr. Christian DuBois at Twin Cities Orthopedics for treatment.

Click here to watch Larry’s story

I found out about Lakeview Hospital’s orthopedic surgery from advertisements in my local paper. After a little research online and speaking to a few others on the Iron Range who have had work done at Lakeview, I made my first appointment.

I was very impressed with the facility, and the care I got from Dr. Panek was outstanding. He was very informative and caring, and the rest of the hospital staff was wonderful. I’d like to give a big thanks to Dr. Panek and all the others for taking such good care of me.

I am very pleased with my recovery and results. I would recommend Lakeview Hospital to anyone needing orthopedic surgery. I am going to need my other knee done in the future and would like to come back to Lakeview.

I had a bad knee. It hurt, I was limited in what I could do, and I was frustrated with myself. I went to Dr. O’Neill to get his opinion, and after a thorough examination and a conservative approach to relieving the pain, he recommended a knee replacement. It was not his first option, which I appreciated.

The information he provided to me before I decided to proceed with the replacement was exceptional. The pre-surgery information was exceptional both at his clinic and at Fairview Southdale Hospital. The recovery wasn’t fun, but on the 20th day following surgery I was walking through Lindbergh Terminal to a plane to travel to Phoenix for meetings. Within 3 months I was in Mexico, going down a zip line and repelling down from a very tall tree.

A year after surgery I remain extremely pleased with the surgery, the outcome, and the ability to live a much more active life. Dr. O’Neill is good at what he does.

Jack R. said that his hip surgery “changed his life,” and couldn’t have been happier with the excellent care he received from Scott Anseth, MD. Before surgery, hip pain kept Jack awake at night and prevented him from enjoying his favorite outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing. “After surgery, the dull aching pain that I was experiencing was gone,” he said. “It was amazing.”Shortly thereafter his flexibility returned and simple tasks such as putting on socks became easy again. Four weeks after surgery Jack was traveling again for work and felt great. “I can now enjoy outdoor activities again,” he said. “My sons are having trouble keeping up with me when pheasant and deer hunting!”

“You’re so young!” That was the overwhelming response Joni C. received from almost everyone when discussing her hip issues. “All of those concerns were put to rest after my first visit to Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Anseth. The staff took the time to listen to me and then to explain all of my options,” she said (pictured left to right: Dr. Anseth, Joni, Heidi Bolgren, PA-C, Patti D., Clinical Assistant, Matt V., Athletic Trainer). Dr. Anseth and his staff explained all treatment options to Joni and addressed her concerns about overall quality of life. “I left that day with all of the information I needed to make an informed decision,” she said. A few weeks later, Joni decided to proceed with a hip replacement. “From that day everything moved smoothly and without a hitch, unlike my hip,” she said.While her recovery exercises were a challenge, Joni is glad she put in the effort to complete them. “I have diligently done all of my exercises, even when they were a bit tough, and have had wonderful results so far,” she said. She is looking forward to spending her next birthday in Florida, “walking on the beach, pain free.”

Theresa W. is an active mother of two who was slowed by a foot injury. After a difficult and painful year, she met with Scott McGarvey, MD to discuss treatment options. Dr. McGarvey took the time to listen to Theresa’s story and how her situation affected her life. “Dr. McGarvey genuinely cared and really wanted to help me,” said Theresa. He “wanted more time and more information to evaluate my problem,” which put Teresa at ease about what needed to be done and who she wanted to do the work. With young children waiting patiently for the return of an active mom, Theresa said that she is “motivated to continue what I need to do to reach that full recovery from surgery.” She is pleased to have met Dr. McGarvey and thankful to have received his care. “He is a skilled surgeon with a caring heart,” said Theresa.

Kristin S. had persistent foot pain for over 23 years, which made walking long distances difficult. Pictured in Israel, she was grateful to be able to appreciate her second trip to the country pain-free, unlike her first. “After having surgery on my feet [with Scott McGarvey, MD], I was able to enjoy the trip so much more,” she said. Being able to keep up with the group and focus on all there was to see and learn, rather than being distracted by her foot pain helped make the trip a great experience, she said. “I am able to walk without pain for the first time in 23 years. Dr. McGarvey was wonderful to work with and his work on my feet has changed my life,” said Kristin.

For many years, Gordon suffered from extreme pain in his ankle caused by osteoarthritis. After researching foot and ankle surgeons and getting a recommendation from a friend, he met with Scott McGarvey, MD. With a round trip to the clinic of 400 miles, it was important for Gordon to schedule an appointment that he could drive to and back from on the same day. “I was always able to get in to see him on time with little or no waiting,” he said. Gordon described the examination he received from Dr. McGarvey as very thorough. “He took time to listen to the concerns both my wife and I had. He was honest and articulated all my options in an understandable manner,” he said. After discussing treatment options with Dr. McGarvey, Gordon opted to proceed with a total ankle replacement and couldn’t be happier with the results. “Dr. McGarvey’s follow-up after the surgery was second to none. He is truly a patient advocate. He took special care to make sure my recovery was going well; calling to check on my progress,” said Gordon. “Dr. McGarvey surrounds himself with a competent, professional, and friendly staff,” he said. “I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone with issues of the foot and ankle.”

In addition to living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years, Diana dealt with an ankle that would suddenly “give out” for several years. She feared falling as a result of the ankle issues, which could have resulted in a more serious injury. Her rheumatologist recommended a total ankle replacement – an option Diana didn’t know existed. After being referred to Scott McGarvey, MD, she traveled over 300 miles to consult with him. Prior to the ankle replacement procedure, Dr. McGarvey performed reconstructive surgery on both of Diana’s feet. A year later, she had her ankle replaced. After following Dr. McGarvey’s post-operative instructions and completing physical therapy, Diana explained that she is extremely pleased with the results. “I thank Dr. McGarvey and his staff for their fine treatment,” she said. Diana said that she “was treated with professional, kindness, respect, and even some humor,” and knows that is the standard for patients of Dr. McGarvey.