Patient Testimonials

I went in to see Dr. Hunt after living with an arthritic left shoulder for a few years. The pain was getting to the point where I couldn’t do everyday tasks or exercise like I used to. My x-rays confirmed I had severe osteoarthritis, as well as bone on bone in the joint. Dr. Hunt spent time explaining what was going on and what we could do about it. He was very attentive to my concerns and I felt at ease with him after my diagnosis. I had surgery on 12/15/20 and was able to come home the same day. Dr. Hunt replaced my shoulder joint with stemless components, as well as repairing a rotator cuff and a torn bicep tendon. I am now approximately two months post-op and the pain has disappeared. My physical therapy is going well, as I regain range of motion and strength in my repaired shoulder. I am very grateful to Dr. Hunt & staff, as well as the people at Abbott NW Hospital, for all they have done for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone having shoulder issues.

Dr. Meisterling and his assistant Kayla, have been an extended part of my family for the past 10 years. I have degenerative joint disease which has led me to have both knees, one shoulder, two thumbs and, most recently, a hip replaced. Dr. Meisterling and Kayla have walked through them all with me. My recent hip replacement was particularly challenging. Different components of the hardware failed, resulting in two revisions within 3 months of having the initial hip replacement. Dr. Meisterling and Kayla were available, supportive and most importantly, my advocates as we had to schedule each of these procedures. I felt so cared for during the whole ordeal. I am so grateful for this team.

From the first phone call to make an appointment EVERYONE was friendly, helpful and compassionate. I’m 80 years of age and needed a reverse shoulder replacement. Dr. Mair and his staff took the extra time to discuss my options and ultimately let me make the decision. Although this was not HIS first time doing shoulder surgery, it was MY first time and I felt he took all the time I needed to answer questions and reassure me that all would go well… and it DID! He, the hospital staff, everyone was so caring and understanding. My daughter went to the cafeteria to get lunch and a hospital staff person, that was in line behind her, paid for her lunch! So when I say everyone, I mean everyone 🙂 I cannot say enough about Dr. Jeffery Mair, and everyone who works with him, for their wonderful care and thoughtfulness. I will definitely recommend this doctor and this facility to anyone I know that needs his expertise! Thank you SO much! I’m glad it’s all done and I can start my physical therapy and look forward to having a pain free shoulder.

I want to thank Dr. Edward Szalapski, M.D and Tracy Chisholm, P.A very, very much for the care taken on my 93 year old mother who had reverse total shoulder replacement. Our mother woke up from surgery and stated that she has essentially been pain-free since the surgery. She hasn’t even taken any narcotic medication. She only needs Tylenol when she feels some discomfort as she improves. She has healed wonderfully and continues her therapy and improves every day. It’s unbelievable what this doctor has accomplished for our mother. She is so much happier and able to move about without pain. Our mothers goal is to live to 104 and she wants to continue bowling. Now it’s all possible. Thank you so much for improving her quality of life. You and your staff are truly blessed with a wonderful gift.

After shattering my shoulder, Dr. Bakker did a reverse total shoulder replacement with complications. That was 6 weeks ago. I’m now basically pain free, improving range of motion with physical therapy and couldn’t be happier. Dr. Bakker did an amazing job, given the mess my shoulder was in. I’d recommend him in a heartbeat.

This is my third procedure through TCO with Dr. O’Keefe, this time being a complete replacement of my right shoulder. He is my orthopedist. I have been thoroughly pleased with my care here in the hospital, clinic and physical therapy. Dr. O’Keefe and staff have instilled confidence about my expected results. My results have been great and have returned me to my normal tasks and certainly improved my quality of life.

I had been in a very long estate clean out for 5 years (very physical) and had worn my left knee and right shoulder, which had been repaired two times. I had a revision done April of 2018. Came back great by June with full use (I’m a very active race car driver and car builder). Had my right shoulder fully replaced in March 2019, and as of today, May 1st, I have 90% of my use back. My wife had her knee replaced in the middle of April 2019 and it was my turn to be nurse. She is already walking with a cane and well on her way to normal.

Post shoulder replacement surgery complete and immediate relief from pain. With the help of Dr. Lervick and guided/approved PT, I returned to great mobility. The absolute best staff, Andy and Ann – very professional, caring and candid. Also all above involved and interested in ongoing follow-up. Thank you!

Dr. Hunt, this may seem too corny to endure, but I’ll risk it.  I find myself struggling to express the depth of my gratitude to you and the team of caring professionals you have gathered around you for the fifteen years or more you have added to my life. When I decided to go to you to replace my knees late in 2008, I was seriously facing the loss of most of my outdoor activities. In January, 2009, you and your team replaced both of my knees, and in two surgeries during 2011 you also replaced both of my shoulders. Now you have given me a new right hip.  Because of your work, I have continued to backpack with three generations of family members for days on end on Isle Royale every fall (sometimes twice in a season). Early last spring I backpacked about forty miles of the Superior Hiking trail with a friend. Libby and I have been able to tour the Peruvian Amazon and the Peruvian sacred valley, and then spend a week on the Galápagos Islands. As a pastor I made multiple trips to partner congregations in El Salvador and in Nigeria. Twice I’ve made it to Alaska, most recently with Libby for a stay with friends in Halibut Cove on Kachemak Bay. Two years ago Libby and I toured Iceland, reunited with her relatives in Sweden and with my relatives and friends in Norway. And for the last three years I’ve led delegations to explore how migratory birds connect Minnesota and Nicaragua.  All this scattered among countless forays across Minnesota and Wisconsin to go birding in remote wild corners of our region.

I only hope this little album of memories gives you some sense of my gratitude to you for your work and for my privilege of having access to this health care (when so many across the world do not).

Blessings, Keith O.

I suffered with pain in my right shoulder for several years due to arthritis and eventually was in constant pain. It was disrupting my sleep and kept me from activities I used to enjoy. Dr. Kelly provided me with the treatment options, including full shoulder replacement surgery. At age 58, I wasn’t looking forward to surgery and weeks of recovery, but in August 2014 I took the plunge. I couldn’t be happier with every aspect of my choice to have Dr. Kelly and his team perform my surgery. I have known Dr. Kelly for several years and have found him to be an extremely talented surgeon who takes the time to answer my questions and help me decide what will be best for me. Because Dr. Kelly arranged my surgery through the EXCEL program, the entire process was extremely well-planned and coordinated. My surgery experience only took a few hours at the Crosstown Surgery Center in Edina, with a one-night hotel-like stay in a wonderful facility with a private room and fantastic nursing care. I was relaxed and slept very well that night (as compared to no sleep during previous stays in a hospital). The surgery went as smoothly as Dr. Kelly and Kaici had explained and my recovery went much faster and easier than I had ever anticipated. Within 6 weeks of surgery, I was using my shoulder for most of my normal day-to-day activities, and the shoulder continued to gain strength and rotation from the physical therapy and exercises. I have re-gained full use of my shoulder and don’t even think about it anymore. I was washing windows this spring and smiled because I realized I was using my right arm/shoulder – something I would not have done a year ago. I’m not sure why I waited so long to get it done! Everyone from the reception staff, the surgical team and recovery nurses were outstanding – their personal touch and genuine caring made me feel like a VIP! The EXCEL program was a blessing because it allowed me to get through joint replacement with minimal disruption in my life. For anyone considering any kind of orthopedic surgery, I would encourage you to consider Twin Cities Orthopedics. Dr. Kelly and TCO will always be my first and only choice for orthopedic care!