Patient Testimonials

As a 70-year-old avid hiker, the daily pain in my knee made it difficult for me to consider further hiking adventures. Even cutting the lawn was now difficult. My favorite hikes in the southwestern states were no longer realistic to consider. I had fallen months earlier on a hike and damaged my right knee. I could envision all the possibilities of what damage the fall had caused. As Dr. Mair had previously performed two successful arthroscopic procedures on my knees, I visited him at TCO after the initial fall. Exam and radiographs indicated no apparent structural permanent damage. I was relieved and opted for rest, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories. As a retired veterinarian I took to heart and fully understood Dr. Mairs warning that not all damage is evident on radiographs and initial exam, and if recovery did not progress as hoped, an MRI would be the next step. After several months of minimal progress, I knew it was time for the MRI and contacted TCO. The MRI revealed significant damage that was not apparent on physical exam or radiographs. Dr. Mairs initial warning was correct. We met and discussed options, and I decided a total knee replacement was the best option for my lifestyle.

It is now 3 months later. I feel my surgery and post op care was a total success. I have no knee pain, great flexion and extension, and am contemplating my next big hike. Dr. Mair did a fantastic job surgically with my structural knee problem. He explained all my options and potential outcomes well. I found him to be the Doc we all want, someone who listens, answers questions, is skilled, and really cares about you. He took the time to make sure I understood that surgery was just the beginning, as he handed me off to TCO’s physical therapy staff post op. It is indeed teamwork at TCO.

Thank you, Dr. Lewis, for the exceptional care and overall oversight in fixing my Rotator Cuff tear. From scheduling surgery, office visits and physical therapy, they made it all so easy. Dr Lewis is a truly gifted professional. From my initial visit, leading up to surgery along with post-surgery, he provided me a very clear overview to the extent of my injury and a step-by-step road map to my recovery. Pre-Physical therapy with TCO’s Anthony and Post Surgery Physical therapy with Maggie, had me both ready for Rotator Cuff surgery and quickly on the way to full use of my shoulder with no signs of pain or limitations.

What a team, Thank you TCO, Dr Lewis, Anthony and Maggie for the exceptional service, communication, and experience.

Dr. Mittelsteadt listened to the issues and resolved them quickly. He cared about what I was saying, and I couldn’t be happier with my results.

I am just around 13 days post op from a cervical spine fusion done by Dr. Green, and I just wanted to take a few moments now that I am feeling better to share my experience. First, for a little background, I have PSA and have battled this condition for well over a decade now. My joints have been swiftly degenerating, and this has meant many specialists and procedures done that ultimately end up in major surgical intervention. I have had many unpleasant interactions with orthopedic doctors over the years, which oftentimes felt like dismissal of my symptoms, pain, general lack of empathy/sympathy while my life, career and ability to function was crumbling around me because of a medical condition I had no control over.

I was referred to Dr. green for surgery as there was nothing more that could be done by my regular Orthopedic doctor to alleviate the symptoms that were horribly diminishing my quality of life. I was unsure what to expect walking into a new orthopedic specialist, but I thought it would likely be pretty much the same as past experiences. Initially it was just a plain pleasant encounter, review of MRI, discussion of symptoms, checking some ROM, and what a surgery would look like. I was informed I needed to quit smoking before the surgery could be ordered, which I agreed to and managed to accomplish right away. Surgery was scheduled and prepared for. Here is what is relevant about my experience with Dr. Green. Around 6 pm the evening before my surgery my phone rings and it is Dr. Green checking in on me to see how I was feeling about the surgery the next day. I thought my goodness what a very thoughtful thing to do! That simple gesture really alleviated about 80% of the stress I was feeling going into my surgery. This man took time away from his evening, likely off duty to check in on a patient. I have never had a surgeon do that before. Once at the hospital Dr. Green spoke to me concisely and thoughtfully about the procedure, all the while reassuring me things were going to be ok. And they were ok. I woke up and once again he was checking in on me and asked if I would like him to call my mom and let her know how things went. My mom spoke very highly of that conversation after I was discharged the following day. I know he didn’t have to personally make that phone call, generally a nurse could have done that. It was above and beyond what I was expecting. Another thing I really want to highlight about Dr. Green is his return to the hospital Saturday to check on me again personally before determining if I could be discharged. Why I think this is important to note is that my nursing staff told me that Dr. Green has become very well respected by the hospital team as one of the few surgeons that does this. They see a lot of Orthopedic surgeons in that hospital wing and I could see that his personal investment into the care of his patients had seemed to have left a meaningful impression on the recovery team that was caring for me. He has chosen to set a good example of compassionate care in a way I had rarely seen through my journey through a chronic lifelong condition. I have nothing but good things to say about my care under Dr. Green who has through his personal actions earned my high regard, trust, and respect. Thank you, Dr. Green!

Just had my 6 week follow up with Dr. Mittelsteadt and he by far rates a 10 out of 10!! He is one of the most personable Dr.’s I have encountered in my 80 years. Above all that he did an outstanding job on my fractured knee. His bedside manner is impeccable. His rising star status should be shining bright. I recommend him 100%.

I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Moeller and her entire team. From the moment I scheduled my appointment to my final follow-up, the care I received was exceptional.

Dr. Moeller was incredibly thorough in explaining my procedure and ensuring I knew exactly what to expect, which helped me feel confident and prepared. The entire team—from Sarah, the scheduler, to the PA, nurse, and anesthesiologist—was fantastic. Their professionalism and kindness made the whole experience as smooth as possible.

Thanks to their expertise, my “skier’s thumb” surgery was a complete success, and I’m now fully back to normal. I highly recommend Dr. Moeller to anyone in need of hand surgery—she and her team provide top-notch care every step of the way!

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the care I received from Dr. Szalapski and his team. I had a total knee replacement (right knee) that went very smoothly. I was well informed about every aspect of the procedure and what to expect afterwards. I felt totally confident in Dr. Szalapski’s ability to perform this surgery. I appreciate his easy manner and sense of humor. He put me at ease which helped me get through the whole process. I am 2 months post-surgery and already taking daily walks. I have already scheduled my left knee replacement surgery with Dr. Szalapski in a couple of months. The care I received at the EXCEL recovery center was also exceptional. The attention and care I received was so comforting. Staff were more than just professional and competent. I truly felt like they cared about my comfort and well-being. I highly recommend Dr. Szalapski and the team at TCO and EXCEL.

I had shoulder replacement surgery in November and couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve endured shoulder pain for decades and kept putting off the surgery with a myriad of excuses. Finally, I heard about Dr. Mair at a charity event and decided to see him. We met and talked about what shoulder replacement would look like, and we made an appointment for an MRI. We met after and decided what treatment needed to be done and an appointment for surgery 9 months later. I have been pain-free for the first time in 40 years and would choose to do it again. Dr. Mair was honest and forthright in what was going to happen after the surgery. I loved how he just told me exactly what the procedure would be without sugarcoating it. He did a great job and would highly recommend him. I gave him a nickname of “Michelangelo” because of the job he did on my shoulder!

Dr. Shashank Dwivedi deserves both my gratitude and admiration for not only his skills and knowledge but his exceptional interest in each patient.

I first met with Dr. Dwivedi following a serious fracture to my hand and wrist resulting from a slip/fall. Having been a very physically active person up to this accident, he wisely guided me through my options of treatment and helped me select the one that would best help me reach my end goal along with speed of recovery. When one is confronted with a major injury, it is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional one. His calm and assuring manner along with his skill and knowledge benefited me greatly. I now have complete bone healing and am continuing with my physical therapy to obtain full range of motion of my right hand and wrist. I am able to use my computer again and have been doing core strength training! He takes excellent care of patients. I consider myself blessed to have had him as my surgeon.

I’d like to give a huge shout out to Dr. Sam Carlson and the whole EXCEL team at Eagan Viking Lakes. The entire process was so well organized and as stress free as possible. From the surgeon and RN coordinator to the anesthesia team and post op, to physical therapy, all run like a well-oiled machine. Couldn’t have been a better experience, and my hip feels great! Thank you!