Patient Testimonials

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.

From the moment I met with Dr. O’Neill I felt at ease and comfortable with the decision to go ahead with my hip replacement. I was bone on bone and in pain. They scheduled me pretty quickly. I had it done at Southdale Fairview and everyone was wonderful. They took such great care of me and Dr. O’Neill and his assistant, Jessie Donovan, are true professionals with a great bedside manner. All my follow up appointments assured me I was on track to my recovery. I would highly recomend Dr. O’Neill to any of my friends or family. Thank you so much for taking such great care of me. My hip is perfect!

Good as new! Dr. Hunt did my hip replacement and I feel great. I am back biking, swimming and hiking. I even enjoy mowing the lawn again.

Dr. O’Neill performed a Total Hip replacement, Anterior approach on February 23, 2015.
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Prior to the surgery I struggled to walk a block or two and now I am back to 100% with no restrictions.
The recovery time was minimal, the patient care was outstanding from start to finish with follow up calls and appointments with Jessie and Dr. O’Neill.
When I explain the process and the ease of recovery with this surgery people are amazed, especially with the flexibility to cross my legs and really no restrictions, it’s as if it’s better than new.
I would recommend this procedure and team of Dr’s to anyone who is looking to get their quality of life back, I’m sure glad I did.
Thank You!!

I had my left hip replaced in 2000 with the posterior type surgery. I had difficulty walking (with a very noticeable limp which caused a lot of back pain even after many weeks of therapy.) When my right hip became painful, I was afraid to go through such misery again even though I couldn’t walk more than a few minutes without sitting down. I heard of the less invasive anterior hip approach by accident and was very leery of it until I met Dr. O’Neill. His attitude gave me such confidence that he could correct my limp. I am so thankful that I met him. My surgery was on July 2, 2015 and I came home on July 4th. There wasn’t any need for even a cane after the second week. Now there is absolutely no back pain or limp for the first time in many years. None of my acquaintances could believe that I even had the surgery when they saw me after the second week. It is truly a miracle for me and there aren’t enough words to describe my admiration for Dr. O’Neill and the capabilities for him and his staff.

When I came to the realization that I needed a hip replacement, I started reading reviews like this one, I questioned if it really was as successful with the minimal discomfort that people stated?

This surgery was one of the best decisions of my life and to say I would strongly I recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone who is considering this procedure would be an understatement..
Monday morning I had my surgery and was home Tuesday by noon, by Thursday I was walking with a cane and on my own by Saturday.
One of my biggest concerns was missing work, I missed a total of 7 days now grant it, I am at a desk most of the day but my coworkers were amazed at the progress!
The most amazing thing to me was how quickly and steady the healing process was, I just went back for my 10 week checkup and I have no restrictions in fact I don’t even think about my hip anymore.

Thank you for giving me my mobility back again and I am looking forward to the summer activities that I have been missing, you folks are the best!

I had direct anterior hip replacement done on my right hip April 23, 2015. The next morning I was walking with no aid (crutch/cane)- I couldn’t believe it!

I spent only one night in the hospital. Two days later, I was walking the dog. I played golf (chipping/putting) 8 days after surgery.

I had my left hip replaced in 2006 by another TCO surgeon. I spent 4 nights in the hospital. Two weeks on crutches, then needed a cane.

The anterior hip replacement is the only way to have a hip replaced! Minimally invasive, little pain and recovery time is little to none.

Dr. O’Neill has a lot of experience in the anterior hip replacement procedure. He answered all my questions-and then some. I am recommending this surgery to all who need it. One person who saw me two weeks after surgery is already in the process of scheduling anterior hip replacement surgery with Dr. O’Neill.

I am extremely grateful to Dr. O’Neill, Jessie and his staff. I had struggled with constant hip pain for almost a year. I finally realized it was more than an overworked muscle and went to see Dr. O’Neill (he was suggested by a friend who is in the medical world). I was diagnosed with Arthritis in my left hip. Dr. O’Neill suggested direct anterior hip replacement. He explained the surgery and the benefits that went along with this procedure. He and his staff worked to schedule me in for surgery as soon as possible.

The surgery was performed at St. Francis Hospital on March 30, 2015. All the staff at St. Francis was wonderful. I was back in my room by 2 p.m. I felt wonderful! I was up and standing without a walker or crutches by 6 p.m. I was walking the hallways of St. Francis the next morning; I was also able to do steps without any assistance. I had absolutely no pain, it was amazing. I was fortunate; I never had to take any pain medication after the surgery.

I left St. Francis the day after surgery. I was back to work in 2 weeks. My life is back to my normal, which is busy. I have 3 adorable grandchildren from 5 months to 2 years that I can carry, crawl and run with. I am back to being able to walk, exercise, garden, shop without having to take Advil, Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Thank you so much Dr. O’Neill, Jessie and all the staff I am able to move freely without pain!