Patient Testimonials

I had back issues for years and things got to the point where walking, or sometimes standing, was difficult and very painful. Dr. Crowe performed a spinal fusion on my lower back over two years ago and I have returned to a normal, pain free life. I am able to swim, jog, and enjoy exercise again. Twin Cities Orthopedics is the place I look to for all of my orthopedic care.

I suffered from lower back pain, which gradually went down my legs for over a year. Eventually the pain shooting down my legs was so extensive that I was unable to stand for more than a minute and couldn’t walk without constant pain. I saw Dr. Davis, hoping for some pain relief. We started with physical therapy and then injections but I didn’t get the relief we’d hoped for. The pain was becoming unbearable. By this point, surgery was the last option and I had a bilateral laminectomy. I recently saw Dr. Davis for a three month post-surgery checkup. I told Dr. Davis he was my hero and thanked him profusely because I no longer have pain when I stand or walk. I know that I am very fortunate to have such a successful outcome – and I cannot thank Dr. Davis and his team enough.

February of 2020 I began having significant pain in my back, hip and leg. I was unable to stand more than 30 seconds making shaving, showering, brushing my teeth among other things very difficult. I was also not able to walk more than 10 yards, missing out on walks with my wife and grandkids. I tried two injections from another provider with no success. I became sad thinking this was going to be my life. This lasted 6 months. When I met with Dr. Deal I was apprehensive regarding surgery. After our visit I was encouraged and confident in Dr. Deal’s diagnosis and plan. I had a lumbar laminectomy with microdiscectomy on July 29^th. Today I had my 3 month follow up…pain free. I am so happy, my life is back!!! Dr. Deal’s P.A., Nathan Marcus, is awesome. They make a GREAT team.

Dr. Crowe and his team are top notch! My back and leg pain are gone! The EXCEL program with TCO was a great program during this virus pandemic.

Dr. Deal is a miracle worker! I experienced sciatic nerve pain coming from my lower back many, many years ago and lived with it for over 5 years. This time when I started getting that same pain, I knew something had to be done sooner than before. Dr. Deal and all the Twin Cities Orthopedics team knew their business and were awesome to work with! I am pain free (well other than old age aches) once again and have my life back. No more living on pain medications and trying everything in the book to alleviate the pain. I can walk, sit and sleep pain free again! Thank you Dr. Deal and the TCO staff!

In 2018, after an MRI showed a significant bulge in the disc at L5/S1, I received an injection which provided 100% relief. About 1 year later, after working under the kitchen sink on the garbage disposal, I woke up the next day and could barely move. Another MRI was taken and the disc bulge was now significantly larger, by my estimation at least 2x larger than it had been a year earlier. My family has a history of back problems and surgeries and I was doing all I could to prevent surgery, so we tried an injection again on both sides of the spine with zero result. In a short period of time, I was only able to move about in a wheel chair. Surgery was scheduled within a few days…and I have been pain free ever since. I could not be more pleased with the results. Dr. Deal and his team provided excellent care, answered all my questions and made me feel as if I was the only patient they had. I would recommend him to anyone having back issues. I suffered with debilitating back pain off and on for over 30 years and had always been able to stave off surgery with more conservative options. Dr. Deal helped me get over my fear of back surgery and was it ever a great decision. I’d trust him with my back anytime.

Dr. Harris is a miracle worker. I had severe back pain for at least 2 years, but was kind of leery about who to go to for this back pain. My primary doctor, Dr. Jason Nowak of Fairview, suggested Dr. Harris. When viewing the MRI, Dr. Harris looked at me and said “I can fix this”. I pondered for a month and checked other doctor’s bios. When I read Dr. Harris’ bio, I was amazed. I went with him and I’m glad I did. He explained the procedure, recovery time and 3-day hospital stay. He even came to check up on Mother’s Day. If you’re suffering from spinal pain or some other nerve pain, I would recommend Dr. Harris in a heartbeat.

I am an active person, usually not in significant pain. When I injured myself, my husband had to help me get out of bed, put on my shoes and help me walk. I had a ruptured disc involving the sciatic nerve, causing extreme pain down my left leg to my toes. I got in for an appointment quickly at TCO, had x-rays the same day and an MRI the next. When I saw Dr. Deal, he explained my injury which demonstrated weakness in my foot and toes, indicating probable nerve damage. He explained how this could very well become permanent if not dealt with soon, with surgery being the best fix. I had a discectomy with Dr. Deal about 10 days later. In pre-op, Dr. Deal and some of the surgical team stopped by to say hi and were very kind and reassuring. Since the surgery, my pain is gone and I have my life back. There is just a short, narrow scar along my spine. My surgery was August 20, 2019 and today is October 29th. Dr. Deal is a talented and concerned surgeon with his patients best interest in mind. He is also surrounded by capable and caring staff, especially his PA, Nate. You will be in good hands.

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.

I met Dr. Deal in 2015 when I started having upper leg pain. An MRI revealed some compound areas to watch but we both agreed on physical therapy. Towards the end of 2018, I started having lower leg and back pain. A new MRI was completed with an additional result of a cyst on my spine. On April 9th, I had L3-S1 lower anterior lumbar fusion and L3-S1 posterior lumbar fusion along with the removal of the cyst. Dr. Deal was very patient with my many questions and explained the procedure in terms I could understand. He made me feel comfortable about having this major surgery. My back and leg pain are gone and I am getting my strength back. I am really enjoying walking again. Dr. Deal is a gifted and skilled surgeon. He is compassionate and caring. I would highly recommend Dr. Deal. Thank you Dr. Deal and your wonderful staff at TCO.