Patient Testimonials

Having a partial right knee replacement in September, 2017 done by Dr. Comfort and going through the EXCEL Program was a wonderful experience. A previous physician would not even consider a partial replacement. Dr. Comfort assured me this was the right decision and I have no regrets! Using the EXCEL Program, upon discharge from surgery center, you go to a health care facility in a private suite where you have a RN that takes care of you until discharged the next day. During that time you have several sessions of PT and are up walking with a walker. Dr. Comfort checks in on you that morning. When you leave you are feeling confident to go home and work on your recovery. Dr. Comfort, David, and Molly are all so reassuring, kind, and patient. I can now lift up my grandchildren without fear my knee will buckle under me. This was definitely the best medical experience I have ever had.  I highly recommend them!

I am 57 years old and had my right knee replacement surgery on October 4^th, 2017. I also had my left knee replaced just 2 years ago in September 2015.  Both surgeries were performed by Dr. Erik Peterson. He and his care team are rock stars. Dr. Peterson, Christine, Molly and Jenna have always gone above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met at each and every appointment. The pre-surgery and post-surgery care that I received from Dr. Peterson’s team was exceptional, always exceeding my expectations. In both instances, I started with steroid injections managing my knee pain which eventually led to recommendation for knee replacement surgery. My knee surgeries (2 years apart) were both at Fairview Wyoming Hospital, which was very well coordinated by Dr. Peterson’s care team. The nursing staff at Fairview was very attentive. Dr. Peterson’s team and Fairview Hospital were extremely helpful and cooperative when working with me on my goal to return home as quickly as possible. In both instances, I was able to return home with just 1 overnight stay in the hospital, with follow up physical therapy with Curt H. at Courage Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy for approximately 6-8 weeks. Remaining active and committed to a physical therapy regimen has been key to my recovery and has allowed me to return to work after 8 weeks. On a scale of 1 to 10 ranking of the care I have received by Dr. Peterson and his care team, I highly recommend them and give them a 10+ rating.

Dr. Kelly is knowledgeable, patient and thorough. He has put my arm back together and offered opinion on knee surgery. I always leave his exam room knowing I got the best advice.

My experience with TCO was a very positive experience. I first went there in January of 2014 when I fell at work and tore my rotator cuff. Dr. Kelly was my physician. I had surgery in February to repair the tear. I shared with Dr. Kelly that I had planned to get my knee replacement in the spring and was disappointed that it wouldn’t happen. His reply was, “oh we can do that.” He told me he also did knees and depending on my recovery from shoulder surgery, it could probably be done in May.

Well, I had a great recovery and while still getting physical therapy, discussed having the knee replacement done.

The staff was very excited to tell me that I would qualify to go through the EXCEL program. Not having to be in the hospital was very appealing and having a class about the procedure was very helpful. York Gardens, where you go for recovery, was a beautiful and very comfortable facility!

The surgery went well, and it was very comforting to have Dr. Kelly and Lindsay in the operating room. Going to the room at York Gardens was so nice and the staff there was very helpful and pleasant.

The physical therapist was patient but yet encouraged me to do what I needed to do. The food was very tasty. I felt I was in an apartment and not in a hospital room.

I would, and have, recommended the EXCEL program to people who need a knee replacement. I appreciate all the help I got from all of the staff. From the appointment desk to the physical therapists, and everything in between, I am very happy with the experience and outcome!

I cannot thank Dr. Comfort enough for the exceptional, life changing outcome I have experienced since my total knee replacements.  I went from having tears while walking to get my mail to pain-free walking the dog, gardening, boating/kayaking, traveling, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter in just weeks after my knee replacement surgeries!  My life has completely changed for the better, renewing my desire to be active, laughing more and really becoming a better person mentally and physically. I am truly the person saying “I wish I would have done this sooner!” – I will gladly recommend Dr. Comfort and his staff David and Molly to each and everyone that is struggling to make the decision for knee replacement surgery.  Molly worked with my insurance company and promptly had my procedures approved and scheduled.  First knee was done mid-June and the second 3 weeks later in July 2017.  Recovery was fast and progress was seen and felt daily.  Best decision I have every made and my family and friends have been asking me to speak with their friends to recommend TCO and Dr. Comfort.  To wake up and get out of bed, go up and down stairs without pain is amazing, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter, is absolutely priceless! Thank YOU Dr. Comfort, David, Molly and all TCO staff!

In August 2016, I was having surgery on my ankle at Maple Grove Hospital.  While talking to the nurses, I mentioned that I needed to have knee replacement surgery but wasn’t sure what doctor to go to. They encouraged me to not wait to have knee replacement surgery because having it right away would improve my quality of life. The nurses highly recommended Dr. Brian O’Neill.  After healing from my ankle surgery, I made an appointment to see Dr. O’Neill.  I liked his approach and knew that when the time came that I would have him replace my knees. I had a total right knee replacement on in July, 2017.  I was fortunate to be part of the Excel program.  The nurses and staff at the hospital and Excel program were fantastic, I couldn’t have asked for better care.  I’m happy to report that after 8 weeks, I have returned to my normal routine.  My recovery from knee replacement surgery has far exceeded my expectations, my pain was well managed and I had great range of motion from the very beginning.  I am grateful to Dr. O’Neill and his team.  I still have my left knee to replace and plan to return to Dr. O’Neill when that time comes.

A previous patient of Dr. Meisterling’s, Baiers, was honored by the St. Paul Saints baseball team as the TCO Comeback story.

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Dr. Arntson and staff have been Fantastic, the nursing staff ( Fridley, CR, Otsego) have been so kind and comforting through this tough surgery and recovery process, including the X-ray & MRI techs. Kristin, Dr. Arntson assistant has been so kind and helpful making sure I don’t miss any appts. I would highly recommend Dr. Arntson to anyone for ACL surgery he is very transparent and truly cares about his patients.

I’m a 52 year old woman who has spent my entire life working on my feet. Either as a restaurant server, to manager and most recently a freelance makeup artist. So it wasn’t surprising that I started having knee pain years ago. I tried the usual; massage, ice, heat, tons of Advil, glucosamine & chondroitin. Finally I knew it was time to have an orthopedic surgeon take a look at them. After having X-rays done, my worse fear came true. I was bone on bone in both knees. I had outlived my knees. I was very shook up. I decided to try cortisone shots and after the first time I felt like a new woman. I thought, “ok I can do this. Yes I have to have surgery, but I can put it off for awhile”, well the 3 months went by and my knees were feeling bad again so I went in for another cortisone shot. This time, nothing! It didn’t help at all. I met with Dr. Holm and confirmed I would need surgery. After speaking to him for a bit, I knew he was the doctor I wanted to do my surgery. I liked his upbeat attitude and his overall confidence. I cannot express my gratitude enough in Dr. Holm. After listening to a few well-meaning friends, I took my husband with me to see Dr. Holm again. I needed my husband to help me understand that all options were off the table, and that if I wanted the quality of life I had been missing I would have to do the bilateral knee replacement. Dr. Holm was very patient and kind to once again explain what the surgery would entail. So October 11, 2016 I was admitted to Fairview Ridges hospital for my surgery. I was a basket case. Every single person I came into contact with was exemplary! They alleviated all the stress and fear that I was feeling. The surgery went extremely well. Dr. Holm confirmed that my knees were a mess! So after 4 nights at Ridges (where my nurses and PT personnel were fantastic!)  I was sent home. I am so pleased to announce that I am recovering quickly. It’s been 24 days and I am walking without a walker. Going up and down stairs (slowly), but never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be where I am right now. I cannot express my absolute gratitude to Dr. Jason Holm, his PA Jamie & care coordinator Kelly! They have been there for every question, concern that I have had. I highly recommend that anyone considering surgery that they choose Dr. Holm and his team! So thank you once again, Dr. Holm, Jamie, and Kelly! You truly are the best!

As a sports fanatic, it was very difficult to forego activities like golf, softball, bowling, etc. due to inability to walk or run without severe pain. Previous surgeons informed me that at my age of 57 that I was “too young” to have knee replacement surgery. Waiting an additional 18 months proved too painful and I got a referral to see the good doctor Allan. Within 30 days I had two Oxford partial knee replacements and returned home after surgery at Abbott within 36 hours. I was driving within three weeks and after successful therapy sessions I’m out golfing, trapshooting, boating and enjoying all kinds of activities. Dr. Hunt’s group at TCO and the staff at Abbott were absolutely superb and a patient couldn’t ask for any better treatment. Dr. Hunt reviewed every step of the procedure in detail and I felt comfortable with the decisions that were made for my health. You will not regret choosing Dr. Hunt as your surgeon.