Patient Testimonials

Dr. Zachary Arntson was my fabulous surgeon for my full knee replacement in April 2018. During my year of developing pain, Dr. Arntson listened and explained with devout compassion. When I decided to go ahead with knee replacement he explained everything thoroughly and didn’t sugar coat it. He made sure my expectations were in line regarding this challenging recovery. He did a brilliant job replacing the joint. And, because I have followed his care instructions to the letter, I am walking pain-free in just 6 weeks. Of course there is continuing recovery, but my year-long battle with bone-on-bone arthritic pain is history. May I also say that the Mercy Hospital staff and my physical therapists at TCO (Seth and Jared) have been outstanding! I couldn’t be happier with my results. If you need a knee consultation, please don’t wait. Start by seeing Dr. Arntson and then get it done and get your life back!

Almost ten years ago Dr. O’Neill replaced my right knee. It had been damaged in an auto accident several years earlier and caused me considerable pain and an awkward gait. I was and I am still very happy with that new knee. No pain and no limp! When my left knee needed to be replaced I did not hesitate to see Dr. O’Neill. I had the surgery in January and participated in the EXCEL program. The recovery was swift and the care was excellent. I appreciated the personable and professional and care I received, not only from Dr. O’Neill, but also from his office and clinical staff. They provided great information, listened to my questions, addressed my concerns and seemed happy to do it. Now that spring is finally here, I am delighted to be out walking the neighborhood!

Dr. Hunt is a phenomenal surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner. He was able to fully explain the procedure to me and put my frightened mind to rest. He continued to encourage and care for me throughout the surgery and recovery. My new knees are awesome and I have a new, better life. I am so thankful for a compassionate, skilled surgeon like Dr. Hunt.

Dr. Steven Meisterling has been my surgeon for both knee replacements. My first surgery was in 2013 and my second surgery was just this past March of 2018. I am completely satisfied with both procedures. I received such great care from doctor and staff both before and after surgery. My knee is healing nicely and I am back to my normal routines. Thank you so much.

Suddenly I awoke one morning with a swollen right leg and right knee so painful I couldn’t bend it. Familiar with TCO, I looked on my computer for the knee expert and made an appointment! I saw Dr. Meisterling only twice and found him to be kind and straightforward, pinpointing the cause of my problem immediately but agreeing to my preference for an MRI. He scheduled the MRI as efficiently as he kept the time of his appointments with me. Of course the MRI bore out his original diagnosis, and he suggested trying a cortisone shot for my 86 year old knee to see how that goes. Dr. Meisterling is not interested in foolish attempts at third rate humor and one must respect him for that.

Dear Dr. Mair and staff at Waconia Hospital –

Thank you, Dr. Mair, for your expertise and care during my recent knee replacement. It is wonderful to go into surgery calmly and without fear, trusting the surgeon completely. I will definitely continue to recommend your services to people in Gibbon.

Thank you also to the entire staff at the Waconia Hospital. From the admittance, through the pre-op activities, meeting the anesthesiologist and acting physician, nurses helping along the way, the recovery room and later in my room for my three day stay, all staff were wonderful. In spite of the lousy weather right after Easter, every nurse, nurse’s assistant, aide, physical and occupational therapist, lab technician that drew blood etc., were so helpful, kind and caring that it made my stay very comfortable. The kitchen did an excellent job on the meals which my daughter (and coach) and I appreciated because we were able to choose our menu. I know I have forgotten some of you that made my stay very comfortable and even fun, but it is not intentional. I just want everyone that had anything to do with my hospital stay to know that I definitely appreciated all of your efforts and will heartily recommend the Waconia Hospital to anyone that needs health care.

My progress in physical therapy is going very well and I graduated to a cane yesterday. My next goal is to be able to drive again which should be in the very near future. Because of all of your efforts and help, my replacement was a very satisfactory effort with great results.

Sincerely,
Elaine K.

Dr. Peterson is a fabulous doctor. Caring and concern about recovery process and healing. I would recommend him to everyone needing surgery for knees and hips.

Thank you Dr. Peterson.

– Earlane J.

The day of my surgery, I got out of bed and knew right away I had a good strong knee. I can’t thank Dr. Peterson enough for giving me my active life back. Thank you for doing a great job on my new knee. Also his staff is very friendly and quick to get back to you with any questions or concerns.

Ski racing accident at Buck Hill in January 2018. I was taken to the ER at Fairview Ridges in Burnsville and Dr. Murar was on duty and got me as a patient. After he got a look at the X-rays, he came to see me in ER and we discussed a plan on what procedures needed to be done and what I was looking at for recovery time. Fractured Tibia Plateau left knee and fractured humerus bone left arm, I was pretty banged up! From the day of the surgery until today as I write this testimonial Dr. Murar and Kelly have been available to address my concerns about anything I needed to whine about with a smile and a encouraging word! My goal was to be able to play golf with my son on our annual Father’s Day outing and on Cinco de Mayo I was able to swing a golf club (wedge) and hit a golf ball for the first time! A full recovery will take some time but Dr. Murar and Kelly got me through a very challenging recovery and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart!

Thank You,
Jim S.

In November 2016, I underwent a total knee replacement by Dr. Arntson. I could not be happier with the results. I felt that through the entire process Dr. Arntson was there for me. I followed all of his post op instructions, attended my prescribed therapy appointments, exercised at home and today my knee is pain free. I actually took a two week cruise just a mere 8 weeks after my knee replacement. I was able to take walking tours, go up and down steps and resume my normal activities by that time. Plus there was only minimal scarring, so I was able to wear shorts. Dr. Arntson is a talented doctor and surgeon. I still need to have a total knee replacement on my other knee and when the time comes I will be seeing Dr. Arntson for that too. My husband tore his meniscus in a fall during the winter and Dr. Arntson repaired his knee too! My husband was back to work in 4 short days! We both agree that Dr. Arntson is OUR orthopedic go-to.