Patient Testimonials

I haven’t felt this good in years and finally have my life back. According to my family, friends, and neighbors, my recovery was incredible and amazing. The neighbors saw me walking to the corner when I got the home the day after surgery and around the block the third day after surgery. By the fourth day post-surgery I was shopping with a friend. I used a walker until I came home from that shopping trip, then decided I didn’t need it and went to a cane for a few days. My surgery was June 15; by the middle of July I marched in the Aquatennial Parade and went hiking in the Grand Canyon the beginning of August. I haven’t felt one twinge of pain since I went in for surgery and had stopped all pain medicine after four days.

A woman from church encouraged me to see Dr. Brian O’Neill at Twin Cities Orthopedics, where she works. She told me about the great results his patients had and that most came to their two week checkup walking normally. I had the anterior approach total hip replacement surgery. I was very pleased with the information I was given to prepare myself for surgery. The class was helpful also, not only for me but for my husband to know what to expect after surgery. I found that the anterior approach had much fewer restrictions during recovery. I cannot say enough about the level of care I received, as well as the friendliness of everyone. I won’t hesitate to have the same surgery on my other hip.

I found all aspects of my hip replacement, treatment and care to be a great experience. Accommodations, food, and above all, the people who worked on and with me were terrific.

Dr. Karlstad has been unequaled in patience, expertise and care. I totally trust him and know that he will do anything he can to make you “new” again. He is an EXCELLENT surgeon.

Dr. Owen O’Neill has replaced both of my hips. The first was done October 16, 2007 and the second was done recently on November 13, 2015. In 2007 he explained to me that the surgery would be as minimally invasive as possible but it was done using the then traditional approach (either lateral, from the side, or posterior, from the back). Actually the first was somewhat a combination of the two; I’ve described that left hip replacement as having the incision in a southwesterly location. I was told of the physical limitations and pain I would experience until I was fully recovered. I used crutches, did all of the physical therapy exercises and managed the pain with medication. There were no surprises and I was very satisfied with the results

The recent 2015 replacement was done using the direct anterior approach. Before the surgery Dr. O’Neill explained that this different approach should minimize the pain (and the necessary medication), speed healing and generally provide a quicker recovery. Of course I somewhat seriously asked why we didn’t do it that way the first time. It is now about 2-1/2 months after the second surgery and I’ve jokingly told Dr. O’Neill that hip replacement has become similar to getting fast food; drive up to the first window, insurance makes the payment, drive to the second window, get a new hip and go home.

I don’t recall exactly how long I used crutches in 2007, how much pain medication I took or how long it was until I was able to resume all physical activities without any limitations. I do recall enough to know the difference in the overall recovery from the two surgeries was remarkable. In 2015 I used the crutches for less than a week, I did not use all of only one prescription for pain medication, I was carefully riding the stationary bike in less than two weeks in addition to doing the physical therapy exercises and I was walking normally with no pain in about a month. At about a month post-surgery I was able to increase my workouts to about an hour and one-half nearly every day (bike, weights and exercises). I will resume outdoor biking up to 30 miles a day when Minnesota weather permits. My recovery from the most recent surgery was so much quicker and involved much less pain. I don’t believe any surgeon could have done a better job and it’s a big plus when your doctor is also a very nice fellow.

My experiences with Dr. Sanders began with an appointment for hip pain in 2013. I found him to be very professional, personable, friendly and ready to listen to the description of my symptoms. The arthritis in my hip required hip replacement surgery two years later. During that time, Dr. Sanders continued to treat me and his professionalism reassured me that I was in good hands. Now, two months post-surgery and completely healed, I know I was right! I cannot recommend him highly enough!

My experience with Twin Cities Orthopedics and the EXCEL program was great from start to finish. We only had one hiccup during my time at TCO. There was a thunderstorm on the day of my surgery and the air conditioning went out at the surgery center. Dr. Owen O’Neill explained the safety issues and the team handled the situation very professionally. Due to the safety matters, we decided to move my surgery to the next day. This demonstrated how important it is to focus on the safety of the patient and showed how efficiently a situation can be managed. It was out of the control of the surgical team, yet managed very well.

The entire team from office visits, to surgery, to overnight recovery, to post-surgical visits was very professional and enjoyable.

I know Dr. Owen O’Neill has seen three new patients at my referral since my surgery in May. I will continue to refer patients to Dr. Owen O’Neill and the EXCEL program.

Thank you!

Dr. Larson and his care team are excellent! From the first visit, through surgery to now 6 plus months post-op. Dr. Larson and his team were fabulous in the care they gave me. Being an active individual, who also works as a nurse, I am on my feet all day, all the time, but thanks to Dr. Larson my days are now pain free! The work Dr. Larson and his team have done is truly remarkable and I would choose Dr. Larson again in a heartbeat!

My hip replacement experience was excellent and life changing. Prior to surgery I had significant pain that limited my mobility and restricted me from the activities I enjoy as well as limited my ability to run my business. The pain initiated in my hip, but my back and right knee were also in pain. It was hard for me to believe that at just 61 years arthritis was to a point that I needed replacement. I also didn’t believe that replacing my hip would resolve my back and knee pain, but it did. I first consulted my general practitioner and on advice of a doctor within my insurance coverage, I had a steroid injection as a first step. With no improvement, I researched options for hip replacement, information on procedures and chose Dr. Brian O’Neill at TCO.

My experience was exceptional from the beginning through my final re-check. From a basic patient perspective, I had no long waits, had my questions answered and felt that Dr. Brian O’Neill listened to my concerns. The surgery was fast, the experience at the Interlude Center was fantastic, and best of all I am completely out of pain and back to a very active, pain free life.

Details that worked well for me:

– I appreciate that surgery was scheduled early in the morning. I had minimal general anesthetic issues.
– The bundled billing and ability to pre-pay was a very convenient option. It is also helpful as a patient to have one contact person should there have been a question on the billing.
– The education meeting with the TCO/Excel nurse Marni was very helpful to know what to expect.
– The printed booklet was helpful as it is easy to forget details.
– Recovering in the Interlude Center through the Excel program was a perfect after surgery experience. Private room, private nurses, physical therapy and a follow-up with an internist gave me access to care in one package and eliminated the chaos that can come with a hospital experience.
– The nurses that cared for me were wonderful and well suited to that kind of care.
– The room at the Interlude Center was great-it is nice to be surrounded by comfort while being focused on recovery.

I have only 2 recommendations based on my experience. It would be helpful to receive a chart or spreadsheet that scheduled the pain medications to be taken at home. I was familiar with the drugs and the nurses educated me, but for some patients this could be confusing and easy to forget what to take and when. There was a written list of medications prescribed, but not a specific schedule outlining how and when to take the meds.

The other recommendation is a printed handout from the therapist with pictures of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 exercises. Even though I could have used my laptop to access the videos, I created hard copies of exercises and included a chart of completion to make it easier to get it done.

I rate my experience A++. I would be giving my testimony in person but I am celebrating my 39^th wedding anniversary with my husband in Florida. We walk 4 miles on the beach each morning and that was my goal when scheduling the surgery in early August. Life is good, thank you Twin Cities Orthopedic team!

I had a minimally invasive right anterior hip replacement on 10/16/2015 by Dr. O’Neill. It is truly a miracle for which I am very grateful. For the first time in over 18 months, I am walking without pain. I have a range of motion that amazes me.

I had polio as a 9 year old and had 3 surgeries on both legs and feet and now have worn bilateral leg braces for 16 years because I have post-polio syndrome. I was fearful of more surgery and I think even the EXCEL staff was leery of my disabilities but I can safely say that I have made it through the surgery in excellent shape. The first time I stood up in the recovery room I knew the pain was gone!

I highly recommend this surgery to anyone who needs a new hip! I also highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and all the staff at TCO including Eileen, Alyssa & Jessie. The EXCEL nurses and PTs were also terrific. All of my appointments were timely and the front desk staff are wonderful. Dr. O’Neill is very kind and thorough and humorous and I am so thankful for him. I am a RN and have been for 40 years and we nurses are very discerning and sometimes we aren’t the best patients, but this was a truly remarkable experience for me and my husband.

If someone ever would tell me I would look forward to an 8″ needle (I think; I never look) going straight into my hip, I would walk straight away. More likely, limp. Having seen Dr. Hunt and getting the crusty-hip-on-the-road-to-replacement diagnosis, I was given options to delay the inevitable. And this would be those injections. I had a dislocated knee in junior high and had a really bad needle in the knee joint aspiration so when Dr. Hunt suggested this, I got the queasies. Not a very willing patient. And that is where Nick Meath comes in. Straighforward, down-to-earth, deadpan funny, beyond professional Nick the Needle. He explained his ultrasound targeting procedure and assured me he just didn’t miss. And you know what? He doesn’t. While I don’t look forward to heading in for a top-off, I have come to trust Nick and his competence completely. Knowing that when my replacement day comes, Nick will be part of the surgical team reassures me to no end. I cannot commend this young man enough for the patience, care, and compassion he has shown me. He is just that good! Thank you, Nick.