Patient Testimonials

Prior to my surgery I could not play golf and going up or down stairs was difficult and painful. My overall activity level was low. I was also suffering from mild depression due to my poor knee joint health. Dr. Meyer had replaced my right knee joint two years ago and the results were excellent. My most recent surgery was again through the EXCEL program and Dr. Meyer did an outstanding job replacing my badly deteriorated left knee. My recovery progressed well and my overall experience exceeded my expectations in every respect. I quite literally have my life back with two new knees. I cannot recommend Dr. Meyer and the EXCEL program highly enough. Both were outstanding.

I am 55 years old and had hip surgery exactly 9 days ago. I cannot sing the praises enough regarding Dr. O’Neill and my experience with the EXCEL program in Eagan, MN. This entire experience from start to finish was excellent. The staff is knowledgeable, caring and efficient. Totally attuned to your needs. Post-surgery I was off narcotics after 3 days. After 9 days, I am able to walk with a cane with minimal pain. Still taking pain medicine but I feel great! I would highly recommend this procedure and the EXCEL program. I previously had my other hip replaced and stayed in a hospital and it was a nightmare. This entire experience has been awesome. I thank God for Dr. O’Neill and his entire staff. Thank you all.

Dr. Tim Panek and his staff, as well as the EXCEL Program staff and PT gals, were wonderful. I had both hips replaced during 2019. The first in February; the second in June. Everything was explained to me before/during/after the surgeries. And if I had questions, I would call and get immediate answers. The PT clinched it. So important to help me gain back my strength and return to my normal activity level, including walking, hiking, biking, Jazzercise (for 26 years!), and simply, LIFE! I would highly recommend Dr. Panek!

I’ve had numerous issues for several years related to osteoarthritis in both knees. TCO did a good job responding to flare-ups and kept me going for as long as my knees would allow. But as my 60th birthday approached, bringing with it my retirement, I wanted to take more definitive action to put the flare-ups behind me and ensure I was fully able to enjoy the very active retirement plans ahead of me.

With the decision to go for a bilateral total knee replacement, the EXCEL program made great sense. The program provided a ton of information, clearly set my expectations and prepared me for the surgery and recovery. It took me from planning through surgery, overnight recovery, physical therapy and all follow-up appointments. It was a true team approach and absolutely comprehensive.

My team, led by Dr. Kelly, was fantastic. His PA, the nurses, PTs, anesthesiologists, office professionals, and even the van driver, were all very attentive and great at what they do. It’s now been nearly 10 months since my first surgery and nearly 8 months since the second TKR. I walk several miles daily, I’m doing all the things I used to do before my knees turned against me, and I‘m enjoying the retirement activity I‘d been looking forward to. The rehab wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had, but it was completely manageable and I have no regrets. If I had to do it again, I’d go right back to Dr. Kelly and the EXCEL program.

I have been a patient of Dr. Crowe for 24 years with history of degenerative disc disease. Over the years, Dr. Crowe has performed 3 laminectomies and even helped out with a nagging bunion. To his surprise, following each procedure, I returned back to my cubical at my employer sooner and sooner; far less time than anticipated for recovery. Over the years I would have discomfort in my lower back. I would have good and not so good pain level days. My go to was not narcotics, they just mask the pain. I learned to manage my discomfort by eating healthy nutrient foods, rich greens, proteins, staying active, using breathing relaxation and Tylenol when needed.

Over the past year I noticed a burning pain in my right leg when walking a short distance. Then 6 months ago the pain radiated to my left leg. Based on prior visits and conversations with Dr. Crowe, we often discussed fusion to help relieve my lower back discomfort.

The appointment that changed it all!
I was mentally prepared for spinal fusion, however, the x-ray revealed that I had arthritis in both hips; right far worse than left. Next step – hip replacement surgery. Wait! My mind wasn’t ready to hear hip replacement surgery.

Best decision!
Surgery completed on 9/12/2019. Saturday 9/14 I was walking 570 feet with a cane. Monday 9/16 I was walking 570 feet 2-3 times daily and only carrying my cane as a just in case. 9/18 no cane needed. With the ability to work from home during my recovery I started back to work full time 5 days after my surgery. By my 2 week follow-up I was climbing stairs with support of both legs. No, I’m not walking my prior pace just yet but will be very soon.

Shout Outs!
Dr. Crowe – couldn’t ask for a better surgeon. My daily pain level went from a 6-7 to 1-3, and will decrease more over time.

North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center – fantastic staff and team of nurses. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.

EXCEL program – highly recommend. Far better than a hospital setting for overnight stay.

Thank you Dr. Crowe, TCO, NMASC, EXCEL program and staff who assisted with my surgery and after care.
– Paula W.

Had a hip replacement November 2017. I considered myself pretty active and with officiating 4 sports, my hip got so bad that I was in tremendous pain and thought I would have to give officiating up. Met with Dr. Knowlan and he started the game plan for me to have a total left hip replacement in the EXCEL program. What a life changer that was. Surgery went extremely well and I followed all his directions on recovering from the surgery. I couldn’t believe how quickly I recovered from the surgery. I was back to umpiring in the spring of 2018 and basketball in 2018-19. I have had no problems with my left hip at all. I would recommend hip replacements to anyone needing one, just follow what TCO and Dr. Knowlan tells you, and you will recover 100% with no problems like I did.

On May 23rd 2019, I had my left hip replaced by Dr. Arntson through the EXCEL joint replacement program.  He has an excellent bed side manner and is truly a compassionate man. I was apprehensive at first but after meeting him and his team, I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Arntson and his team are true professionals. Through my journey, pre and post-op, the whole team was awesome. I highly recommend him, TCO, and his staff for your surgical needs.

I’d been having knee pain for a few years and finally went to Dr. Allan Hunt to see what could be done. MRI and Xrays showed that I had nothing left and needed both knees replaced. I did the first one right after Thanksgiving and the second one this past March. He recommended the EXCEL program. I was back home in 32 hours after my surgery. With the EXCEL program, I did one night at the transitional care unit across the street from TCO Edina. It’s nurse to patient ratio 2 to 1!! Dr. Hunt’s team is great to work with- they make sure you know what to expect every step of the way. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I feel like have my life back. Thanks again, Dr. Hunt!!

I am recommending Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team with TCO to EVERYONE, because, simply put, they are EXCELLENT and THEY TRULY CARE. I had struggled with my hip conditions since birth on and off and at “end stage” received recommendations from Mayo to seek out Dr. O’Neill. Dr. O’Neill made room in his busy schedule immediately and once he saw me, scheduled surgery services ASAP. I will forever be grateful, especially since at this point, I could barely walk and was in constant pain. Not only was I greeted with great compassion, respect and professionalism by Dr. O’Neill, but also by his entire team. Everyone worked hand in hand very smoothly and I was thoroughly prepared for surgery and truly had the best experience and outcome. Every aspect of care was covered under the EXCEL program, including education, post-surgery care and a simplified convenient billing package. Every detail, every need was anticipated and I was well set up for success. Dr. O’Neill and his staff ALL are very approachable and made themselves available for support 24/7. Truly, I now have a NEW LIFE, new energy, a smile on my face, and NO MORE PAIN. I know there is a good chance that I will have to receive surgery on my other hip at some time in the future. In that case, for certain, I have already chosen Dr. O’Neill and his team for the job. I could not have asked for a better team, service, and outcome and forever will feel grateful and blessed.

I know that most “stories” about recovery after orthopedic surgery will focus on the miracles that have changed people’s lives and created amazing physical outcomes, but I got ordinary results- and I couldn’t be happier! I had a total knee replacement in early January 2019. I came to this decision after many years of enduring knee pain and reaching the end of all of my non-surgical options. Therefore, on January 2nd, 2019, in the skilled hands of Dr. Andrea Saterbak, I had a total knee replacement. I was enrolled in the EXCEL Program and had great surgical and post-operative outcomes.

I am an average guy who is not training for a big athletic event or career, but who values the ability to participate in every day activities, like getting out in nature and riding my bike for hours, going for walks with my wife, and traveling around the world. The months of recovery since the surgery have been a challenge and I worried that I would be unable to return to the physical activities that I treasure so much. I must admit to my own impatience in this healing process, but I know that the knowledge and skill of Dr. Saterbak’s team has helped me to move forward and resume more and more daily activities. I have begun riding my bike again and took my first outdoor bike ride during the recent nice weather! I am looking forward to many hours of riding my bike this summer and have several vacations planned with my wife later this year. I know that I will continue to build my strength and endurance, but am glad that my knee will no longer be a problem in my daily life. I appreciate that Dr. Saterbak and her team really listened to me and helped alleviate my concerns and encouraged me to pursue the everyday activities that I value so much. Bring on the nice weather- I’m ready for it!