Patient Testimonials

Dr. Arntson is an excellent doctor, very informative, excellent bedside manner. My whole experience with knee injections and a knee replacement has turned out very well and healing faster than normal because of very good care all around!

Dr. Meisterling, I wanted to thank you for reconstructing my ACL and allowing me to return to sport for my senior year of high school. You repaired my ACL in October 2016, and I missed my Junior year of hockey and the first half of my baseball season. My senior year, I returned to hockey for Mahtomedi and we made a good run at the state tourney, losing to Orono 5-4 in the semifinals. Then for baseball, we won the class AAA state tournament at Target Field in my last high school game ever. Returning to sports for senior year was an important goal for me, and I crushed it. I really came back stronger than I was before the injury, which is a result of your surgery and my awesome rehab at TCO. That experience was tough to go through at the time, but your calm and professional demeanor assured me I would get back at it! I am currently a freshman at UW- Eau Claire in the Pre-Physical Therapy program. Also, I am running in the Eau Claire marathon on May 5th, and my knee has felt amazing during training. Just wanted to give you an update on my progress and say thanks for everything you have done.

I had total right knee replacement 6 months before having the right hip replacement. I had hit a wall in my rehab with the knee because of pain from both hip and knee. The knee continued to be painful even 5 months after the surgery. I can’t believe how much better both knee and hip were one month after the second (hip) surgery. Very little discomfort in my daily activities and walking is going very well. I’m so grateful to Dr. Meyer as he told me I would be so much better after the hip surgery and he is right!

As a lifetime athlete who competes weekly in various sports, I was very apprehensive regarding the prospect of knee surgery. My first thought was “I’m not going to be able to do what I love or compete at a high level”. I met with Dr. Eggert and my attitude and prospects changed quickly for the better. Dr. Eggert was very calm, positive and straightforward on what my surgery would look like, recovery and long term outlook. Having done many surgeries of this type (and much more complex), his calmness and positive outlook helped me relax immensely. Also, knowing Dr. Eggert had worked with professional sports teams also gave me confidence in his expertise. After my initial consult I was scheduled for surgery shortly after and the procedure was very quick and painless. I was walking within days and in 2 weeks I was exercising at 70%, in 3-4 weeks I was back playing tennis, running and basketball and SMILING the whole time! Now, 2 months have passed and I have 100% recovery, speed, strength and flexibility. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Eggert to help anybody with their surgery needs!

On February 28, 2019 Dr. Owen O’Neill and Jessie Donovan replaced my right knee. The surgery was successful and I was released from the hospital the next day. Dr. O’Neill suggested that I go directly home with someone to assist me for a few days. I was able to begin physical therapy on March 4 at the TCO facility in Edina. I saw Jessie Donovan on March 19 for a progress check, completed the physical therapy on April 23 and saw Dr. O’Neill on April 30 for the final progress check. Two months is a speedy recovery for an 80 year old woman; I can’t emphasize enough an exercise program prior to surgery.

The entire staff at TCO, for surgery and physical therapy, is outstanding and I’d recommend them. They are professional and helpful in every way, answered all my questions and encouraged me through the entire process. I have returned to all the activities that were difficult for me prior to the surgery.

In 2009, I tore my ACL playing soccer. In the late winter of 2019, I tore my ACL again and I saw Dr. Barry. The first week it was painful to walk and then after it popped it felt like nothing happened. I saw Dr. Barry before and after the MRI and we talked about the options I had. He gave me three options, and two of them was not getting surgery but also not being as active as I am now. As a surgeon who usually wants to do surgery, he wanted the best for me in my lifestyle. He asked me what I thought, he also asked me how I felt about what he said. Dr. Barry is a kind-hearted doctor that wants the best for you. He came in before my surgery and asked if I was ready and gave me a lot of time to ask any and all questions. Dr. Barry knew exactly what he was going to do and explained it clearly. One thing I really like is that he works very closely with the physical therapist (PT) and the PT’s keep in contact with him. Dr. Barry’s team is professional but kind and really just wants the best for you. I would have Dr. Barry do another surgery if I needed it. He is really great and honest.

On May 27, 2017, I stood on the top of the podium at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field National Championships after winning the 1500 meters in record setting fashion. I worked so hard for that moment. I was on top of the mountain. The climb was extremely difficult and painful, however, every moment of it was worth it. Little did I know that the next two years would be the ultimate test of my physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual strength. In July 2018, I joined Team USA Minnesota, a professional running team located in the Twin Cities. I started training for my dream of making the Olympic Team in the 1500 meters in 2020. A series of lower let injures had hindered my senior year cross-country and track seasons and I was eager to put them behind me and train under an amazing coach and with talented teammates. I also received care from TCO physicians and physical therapists to keep me at my optimum health. Unfortunately, the lower leg injuries prevailed. I was diagnosed with a variety of lower leg injuries that plagued me on and off throughout the fall.

Finally, around mid December, after ruling out stress fracture, stress reaction, tendonitis and compartment syndrome diagnoses, my podiatrist from TCO, Dr. Langer, did not give up on me. He mentioned the possibility of a condition called, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. It is an extremely rare vascular condition for women my age where muscles behind the knee compress the main artery and vein. This results in limited blood flow to the lower legs and a variety of painful symptoms. Langer referred me to a vascular surgeon who confirmed his diagnosis.

On February 27th, I underwent surgery on both legs. The surgeon removed both my plantaris muscles, opened up the soleus fascia and created more space for the blood vessels. Since surgery, I feel incredible relief in my lower legs. Dr. Langer is my TCO champion because without him I never would have been tested for this rare condition or had the opportunity to get surgery to fix the problem. Under the care of Dr. Langer and my physical therapist, Mike Shirilla, I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my road to recovery, train and compete pain-free and pursue my Olympic dreams.

When I first saw Dr. Szalapski I was mostly impressed that he wasn’t pushy about doing surgery. He let it totally be my decision on if and when I did the surgery. Once I made the decision to have it done, he sat down and fully explained everything about the procedure and recovery. They didn’t make light that there would be times I was going to be uncomfortable at first. Everyone on his team has made this as painless as can be. I am truly glad I went to him to have this done. So I can say if you follow his instructions and do the work, you will be greatly impressed with how your new knee recovers and feels. Should I ever need to have my other knee done, I will know I will go back to Dr. Szalapski.

I met Dr. Szalapski and had my first hip replaced at 42 years old – scared to death! It went perfectly and no limp. I had my knee replaced at around 50 years old and my other hip done a year later. Last year, I had my shoulder replaced and was told I may only get 70% of my range of motion back – I got 100%. I would never think of anybody but Dr. Szalapski to perform my surgeries when I have had the best care and absolutely no complications!! His support team and Jessica are the best also! Bonus he has a good sense of humor.

A friend of mine has seen Dr. Szalapski for over 20 years and gave him a glowing recommendation! I was struggling with my knees and walking stairs. The minute Dr. Szalapski walked in to see me, he was professional and down to earth! I immediately knew that I was going to like him. He watched me walk and looked at my knees and said right away I needed replacements. We did the left knee three years ago and the right knee this past summer of 2018. I am very happy with the outcome and can do the stairs with no pain. When I wanted more pain meds I was given the maximum allowed and was okay with that because I did not want to become addicted to a medication. I watched a child of mine struggle with addiction and knew that was not something I wanted or needed in my life! When Dr. Szalapski stops the pain meds he is following guidelines. I would recommend him to anyone that needs replacements!