Patient Testimonials

Given the complexity (in my mind) of this procedure and everything it entails, I am amazed at the efficiency, thoroughness, and level of care at all stages. Dr. Andrew Schmiesing, his direct TCO team, admin staff, the EXCEL program, and post-surgery caregivers all exceeded my expectations. From the earliest point in the process with Dr. Schmiesing, and through the procedure, post-surgery, and rehab, everything I experienced was smooth, high quality, and confidence-inspiring. Dr. Schmiesing and TCO have my highest recommendation.

My hip replacement experience was nothing but exceptional. Dr. Ridley and his team were upfront, honest, and helpful from the start. I had special needs which included the need to lose a significant amount of weight to have the surgery. They told me from the start what that would be, gave me specific goals and a timeline, and worked with me to find an interim method to manage the pain. Most of all, they treated me with respect. I am incredibly thankful for that. The time in the EXCEL surgery center itself was very comfortable. The process was smooth, the surgery uneventful, and everyone I encountered was extremely friendly and helpful. I would 100% recommend Dr. Ridley, his team, and the EXCEL program.

It’s been three months since my anterior hip replacement surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with Dr. O’Neill, his team, the EXCEL program, and my new hip. Every stage of my experience with Dr. O’Neill and his team was positive.

It started with my first appointment when he explained my condition, options, and an overview of how he performs hip replacements. My surgery was scheduled and during the three months wait, I received guidance from his staff on how to prepare through a mailed packet of program information and an online Zoom meeting. This preparation was very educational and provided me with added confidence in the EXCEL program as well as Dr. O’Neill and his team.

On surgery day, the friendly staff ran everything very efficiently. The surgery proceeded without any problems, and I had no complications. As part of the EXCEL program, I stayed overnight at their Edina Care Suites where I was cared for by wonderful nurses and a physical therapist who aided with my initial recovery. This overnight stay helped me feel more stable so I could return home confident with my balance and ability to walk. My care nurses were attentive and thorough, really just plain outstanding.

During my post-surgery recovery period, I gained stability, flexibility, and strength each day. I followed my post-surgery medication and exercise program at home with the prescribed daily routine. I needed to use a cane for only three days and within weeks I was taking neighborhood walks (about a mile or so) with a full stride. Now my hip doesn’t buckle, I no longer walk with a hitch in my step, and I have returned to my regular workout routine.

In summary, I’m very grateful for the EXCEL program, the surgery team, the staff, but especially the knowledge and skill of Dr. O’Neill.

I had an incredible experience with Dr. TJ Ridley. From the first time we met to look at options for my left hip, Dr. Ridley was professional, insightful, patient and knowledgeable. He has a wonderful team at TCO and my recovery and PT with the EXCEL Program was incredible. I highly recommend Dr. Ridley for anything orthopedic related. Dr. Ridley has a way about him that gave me great confidence and comfort.

I had an amazing experience with the EXCEL Program. Steph, EXCEL RN Coordinator’s, initial phone call was caring and considerate. She arranged for an orientation to see the recovery suites with Leah Zimmerman, EXCEL Program Director, and we were so relieved and pleased. Leah was so gracious, open to answering every concern and question, and so delightfully reassuring. I also attended the pre-surgery education class. The class was so helpful and important to attend.

After my knee replacement surgery, I was taken to my room. Lauren and Caryn, my Registered Nurses, were delightful, joyful, and skilled in every way. They were personable and answered any question I had. I felt encouraged and amazed at how much I could do already, with expert coaching and support. It was such a pleasure and relief to see Dr. Scott Anseth after my procedure. He described what he did for my knee and that I should not be surprised by the bruising. I enjoyed how he demonstrated the importance of being able to straighten my leg and bend my knee when I am ready. I was so reassured that I made the right decision and that I was in the best hands for care.

My recovery continued at home with check-ins. Any “speed bump” I encountered was met with acceptance, compassion, and effective problem solving. The reception desk folks at physical therapy were always cheerful, helpful and respectful. Shoutout to all my therapists for those pre-operative exercises. Heidi, Sarah, and Jordan, were significant in my recovery.

I continue to feel so grateful for this opportunity to enhance my quality of life with a new knee. Every detail was covered every step of the way with a multitude of skills and talents, along with personal care and concern for me. Thank you, TCO!

Dr. Mittelsteadt and his staff were amazing. I tell everybody about him and TCO. I could not imagine having a better experience. If I ever have to have surgery again I’m going back to TCO! I stayed at the EXCEL Care Suites for a night. Recovering was really nice and the nurses were amazing there too. Thank you so much to TCO for a great experience on something I was regretting. It was not bad at all.

I was having a lot of lower back pain, with sciatica pain in the buttocks and down both legs and mostly on right side. I started treatment with Dr. Megan Rhyner. Some days I felt better than others. The injection started to feel better but that only lasted a week. So we proceeded to the next step and I met with Dr. Wanderman. I thought surgery would be a better option and boy it was a great choice. Immediately after surgery, the pain and sciatica pain disappeared. I recovered in the Eagan EXCEL Care Suites and had nothing but great care from TCO. I have nothing but great results from the surgery and have had great checkups with Dr. Wanderman. I’m coming up on my 6 month checkup and I believe all lifting restrictions will be taken away. If you are looking for a great doctor and team, Dr. Wanderman would be the ticket for great results.

My left knee issues started close to a year ago, so I started seeing Dr. Lewis some time ago. We tried everything we could do to avoid surgery, however in order to resolve the remaining issue with the knee, I had Dr. Lewis replace my left knee some 5 weeks ago. The whole experience in the EXCEL program has been a first-rate affair. The surgery, the after care, the physical therapy, and just today I had my 6-week review with Dr Lewis. I’m pleased to report that the recovery plan has probably put me ahead of schedule!

I’m a very active person in general and Dr. Lewis has supported me in my effort to get back to a normal life.

If I have to replace my right knee down the road, Dr. Lewis will be my surgeon, no if or buts about it!!

Dr. Knowlan and his team are nothing short of amazing. My hips and knees were bone on bone and several friends recommended him to me. Normally these procedures would take 4 years, replacing one per year. I didn’t want to deal with it that long, and Dr. Knowlan did all four procedures within a 9 month period. I’m now able to do things I haven’t been able to do for years, like going up and down stairs, crossing my legs, sitting cross legged, and putting on my socks by myself. These things are no big deal to the average person, but a very big deal to someone who can’t do them. I don’t need my scooter or walker anymore. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The team at Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center and the EXCEL Care Suites were also amazing. I felt like I was treated like royalty. I would do this again in a heartbeat, though I wouldn’t recommend doing the surgeries so close together. I’ve dealt with chronic pain most of my life since I have scoliosis, so the recovery pain wasn’t that big of a deal for me.

My injury came from stepping onto a step stool. I went to urgent care and was told see an orthopedic doctor. TCO was the only provider I could get in to see someone within a couple days instead of weeks. Dr. Bircher was very attentive and evaluated my knee and talked through my options. I went with the injection but after some months the pain returned and I decided with Dr. Bircher’s guidance to have total knee replacement. I cannot say enough about how smooth the surgery and recovery went. The EXCEL Program was wonderful and the physical therapists, Kristina and Jared, were the best. At 3 months post-surgery I am walking 4 miles a day and feel great. Thank you Dr. Bircher!