Patient Testimonials

Abbey nervously waited for her appointment with Dr. Andrea Saterbak at St. Croix Orthopedics. She had injured her knee in a high school basketball game and knew that her upcoming track and field season hinged on what the doctor had to say. As a senior at Ellsworth High School, she didn’t want to miss the rest of basketball season. More importantly, she was the favorite to win the Wisconsin state discus championship and track and field season was just months away.  She had missed the state title by only inches the year before, and she wanted one last shot to claim the championship. As the nurse called Abbey’s name, she knew her dreams and goals hung in the balance.

Click here to watch Abbey’s story

I found out about Lakeview Hospital’s orthopedic surgery from advertisements in my local paper. After a little research online and speaking to a few others on the Iron Range who have had work done at Lakeview, I made my first appointment.

I was very impressed with the facility, and the care I got from Dr. Panek was outstanding. He was very informative and caring, and the rest of the hospital staff was wonderful. I’d like to give a big thanks to Dr. Panek and all the others for taking such good care of me.

I am very pleased with my recovery and results. I would recommend Lakeview Hospital to anyone needing orthopedic surgery. I am going to need my other knee done in the future and would like to come back to Lakeview.

I had a bad knee. It hurt, I was limited in what I could do, and I was frustrated with myself. I went to Dr. O’Neill to get his opinion, and after a thorough examination and a conservative approach to relieving the pain, he recommended a knee replacement. It was not his first option, which I appreciated.

The information he provided to me before I decided to proceed with the replacement was exceptional. The pre-surgery information was exceptional both at his clinic and at Fairview Southdale Hospital. The recovery wasn’t fun, but on the 20th day following surgery I was walking through Lindbergh Terminal to a plane to travel to Phoenix for meetings. Within 3 months I was in Mexico, going down a zip line and repelling down from a very tall tree.

A year after surgery I remain extremely pleased with the surgery, the outcome, and the ability to live a much more active life. Dr. O’Neill is good at what he does.

Marjorie S. had bilateral total knee replacements performed by Dr. Anseth (pictured) and was very pleased with the results. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than what I have had with Dr. Anseth, Twin Cities Orthopedics and the Joint Replacement Center,” said Marjorie. “The pre-surgical education and information is comprehensive, yet easily understood. Everyone was willing to take the time to address any concerns,” she said. “I’ll be telling everyone where they should go for their orthopedic concerns.”

Bill R. of Plymouth had both of his knees replaced by Allan Hunt, MD at the same time. “Dr. Hunt was fabulous,” said Bill. Three months after the surgery and “I am playing golf totally pain free,” he said.

It only took a month for Kerry H. to return to the links after his total replacement with Andrew F. Arthur, MD. He was pain-free and playing better than ever. “Within the next week I had walked three 18-hole rounds,” he said. “My handicap has dropped from 20 to 14 this summer.” Not only that, but he hit a hole in one (pictured). “How could I be more delighted?” he said.

Sharelle P. (pictured on left) had a total knee replacement performed by Dr. O’Neill (pictured) as a part of the EXCEL program at Twin Cities Orthopedics. The program’s focus of providing an all-encompassing patient experience helped her make a rapid recovery from surgery. “I had confidence in my knee right away,” she said. “I haven’t really had any pain and am able to do things I haven’t done in years.”Excel, which debuted in June of 2012, provides patients with coordinated care from day one to full recovery with personalized service from their surgeon and a nurse practitioner. This includes an orthopedic recovery suite that offers specialized orthopedic care, with 24-hour RN care, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. “The environment was much more comfortable than the hospital,” said Sharelle. “I was there because I was recovering and not because I was sick.”As a part of that coordinated care patients attend Excel Camp, a class that prepares them for surgery and introduces them to the staff they will be in contact with before and after the procedure. “They explained every step of the process in great detail and answered every question I had,” said Sharelle. “I was very well prepared for what was to come.”In addition to preparing Sharelle for her surgery and recovery, the friendliness of the Excel staff helped put her at ease throughout the entire experience. “From the person who greeted me at 5:30 a.m. to the person that rolled me out to my car” the staff was outstanding, she said. Throughout her recovery in the private orthopedic suite, Sharelle said she “quickly received assistance when needed” and “saw my surgeon everyday that I was there.”

In October/November 1996, Dr. Owen O’Neill performed reconstructive surgery on my right knee for a completely torn ACL and partially torn Meniscus. Dr. O’Neill’s professionalism was second to none and the results of the surgery speak for themselves. In 2003 at the age of 37 I entered the profession of Law Enforcement. I passed all the physical demands of the academy, have served 4 years on a SWAT team to include hundreds of hours of physically demanding training and countless real life situations. I have passed multiple physical fitness tests in my 11 years of law enforcement and my knee has stayed strong through it all as well as injury free. I run 2+ miles a day 4-5 days a week and do strength training on my legs without any issues. Thank you, Dr. O’Neill.

Dr. Owen O’Neill and Jessie Donovan, P. A. were absolutely fabulous throughout the entire knee replacement process. They were very informative, thorough, and reassuring in preparing me for surgery. They answered every question and concern. I always felt listened to and cared for. The surgery was a complete success thanks to their careful preparation and skill during surgery. They were very patient and caring during recovery too. Every e-mail or phone call was answered within hours. After surgery I struggled with sleep issues and they actively helped me find solutions. I followed their instructions and was dedicated to my physical therapy. It’s been 6 months and I feel like a new woman. Thanks so much to both of you!

After 4-5 years of walking like a penguin, and with a significant limp, it was time to re-visit Dr. O’Neill and Jessie for a heart to heart serious discussion to remedy my problem. It was a simple explanation of the proposed replacement and the surgery itself. Scared? Oh yeah! I actually found out that my leg WAS NOT going to be cut in two. The surgery and hospital nurses at St. Francis were OUTSTANDING. I highly recommend them. Rehab was exactly what I was told it was going to be. Sometimes uncomfortable, but NOT UNBEARABLE. The physical therapists at Dr. O’Neill’s office were great! Sometimes tough, but not harsh. I worked with Kelly mostly who was outstanding! It is now 3 1/2 months since surgery. My knee truly hasn’t felt this good in close to 10 years. I’m looking forward to deer hunting next month, WITHOUT PAIN. THANK YOU DR. O’NEILL, JESSIE and the physical therapists, especially Kelly.