Patient Testimonials

Pre-op and post-op for my hip replacement surgery went very well. The surgery staff and hospital staff in Stillwater were above excellent. I will likely need my other hip done at some point in the future. Dr. Knowlan will be my first choice!

On October 19, 2020, I had a total hip replacement by Dr. Owen O’Neill. I was nervous and worried about having surgery, especially during a pandemic. Dr. O’Neill relieved my anxiety as he explained the whole process and answered all of my questions. He also noted that I was a candidate for the EXCEL program, which was an awesome alternative to the hospital. His confidence and compassion made me realize that I was making the right decision.

On the morning of my surgery, Dr. O’Neill (with a BIG smile) came into my room to reassure me that everything was going to go smoothly. He is without a doubt a highly skilled surgeon! I am pain free and couldn’t be happier. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. O’Neill and the entire TCO & EXCEL staff. They are absolutely AMAZING!! THANK YOU Dr. O’Neill.

Dr. Fey, his team, and TCO has been one of the best practices I have ever been too. Not only are they very knowledgeable, competent and extremely professional, they truly care about patients. Dr. Fey took the time to explain my condition, risks, options and best course based on a mutual discussion. I highly recommend him to any potential patient.

My knee surgery went very well. I couldn’t believe how much faster I recovered with this knee surgery. Dr. Meyer was very professional, friendly, and efficient. I have recommended him to many people. I really liked him and his staff. They explained the procedure and were very helpful when I called with questions.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ciegler 20 some years ago. He not only corrected my foot pain but also showed compassion and genuine care throughout the 4 years and 7 surgeries that I endured. He also replaced my right hip, right knee and assisted in a right rotator cuff surgery. He is a blessing!

I am passionate about teaching therapeutic horseback riding and showing my horses. During the 2019 show season, I had to have help getting on my horse because of the terrible hip pain. My performance was suffering and so was I. Dr Lewis replaced my left hip in January 2020. I couldn’t believe the relief! I was riding again by spring and showed all summer, even though my right hip was still a problem. In October, Dr. Lewis replaced my right hip. I have a matched set now. The recovery from the right hip was even easier and I was back to riding 6 weeks later. I can hardly wait for show season to start in the spring!

Dr. Lewis and his staff were wonderful. I felt like they were as vested in my recovery as I was. Every detail of this surgery went smoothly. All my questions were answered clearly and I was completely at ease with the process. These people are in a class by themselves!

I needed both hips replaced during this Covid-19 ordeal and a dear friend recommended Dr. O’Neill. I made the virtual appointment, talked to him and got on that list to have surgery when the hospitals allowed surgery. I had my first hip replacement in June and it was perfect. I had the other done in September with the same results! Dr. O’Neill was very reassuring that I would get back to my old self again and I have! The whole team was excellent! Prep for the surgery was very important and I did my best to get my body ready. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone for hip surgery!

My injury happened at the start of summer, by falling on some slippery grass. I was brought by ambulance to Fairview Ridges Hospital. Along with my spirit being shattered, my ankle was too. Dr. Szalapski put me back together with 10 screws and a plate. He is an amazing doctor with great bedside manner. I love his sense of humor. He has great supporting staff and I received wonderful care from everybody at TCO. If I ever need that specialty again, I would not hesitate to go back to Dr. Szalapski and his staff.

Over the past three years I have been under the care of Dr. Bakker for a problematic right wrist. The initial solution recommended was a series of cortisone injections, over several years. However, that solution finally failed and it was time to consider surgery. I did seek a second opinion, as I had a recommendation from another physician I knew. The other doctor’s recommended course of action was the same, but he did not have the calming bedside manner of Dr. Bakker, nor did he convey the confidence that came from Dr. Bakker during my pre-surgery visitation.

Most importantly, Dr. Bakker placed me in the care of the highly competent physical therapists on my post surgery follow up office visit. The two women that who work with his patients are a key to his patience’s recovery success. I saw them both and, believe me, they represent TCO very well.

I considered this operation very seriously as I am a very avid golfer. A couple of years ago, I play almost 60 rounds here in Minnesota. Although it still March and we not on the golf course yet I can recommend Dr. Bakker to anyone experiencing serious wrist and hand pain. I believe he is a tribute to the orthopedic profession and a healer to his patients.

Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team did a phenomenal job restoring me to my previous activities, pain-free. After 2 surgeries to replace both hips and 3.5 months of healing, I returned to biking, walked without impediment and resumed daily activities – like putting on socks with ease. As the healing continues, I look forward to returning to cross-country skiing and rollerblading. On the journey, Dr. O’Neill and his staff answered my many questions about the procedure and pre and post-op preparations. Most impressively, the surgery:

• Allowed me to walk the same day of the surgery
• Required only 1 incision
• Cut no muscle
• Involved zero narcotics for the pain; only some Tylenol for a couple of weeks following

Many thanks to Dr. O’Neill and his staff for all the help, patience, skill and expertise they brought to return me to a more active life!