Patient Testimonials

I have only good things to say about the EXCEL Program and my knee replacement done by Dr. Saterbak. The program is brilliant. I had a setback after a couple months but all was covered. Thank you!

I have been working with Dr. Knowlan for many years due to my degenerative arthritis in both of my knees. When the pain and the loss of function became intolerable, we decided it was time for the replacements. His knowledge, experience, and communication were essential in determining which knee to do first, and how soon after to do the second knee. I call it my medical miracle. I am amazed at the outcome. I feel like I am 20 years younger, because the limited function and pain made me feel 10 years older than I actually am. Sometimes I forget how painful and difficult it was to use my knees. Yet, every now and then I realize that I’m walking up stairs without pain, and I smile! I even have to remind myself that I don’t have to use the hand railing. I can stand, walk, and play golf without pain. I can shop without pain. At the end of a long day at work, I walk out to my car and realize how much energy I still have. It has been a life changer for me. I am grateful every day for my knee replacements. Dr. Knowlan is my hero! That may sound a little over the top, but my life is so much better now.

Best knee replacement so far! I’d definitely do it again if I had another knee to replace. Dr. Brian O’Neill replaced both knees and both knees are doing great!

I have my right knee replaced April 5, 2017 and my left knee replaced October 17, 2017, both by Dr. Bjerke. The staff all took great care of me. I have had wonderful results. The best thing is that I can walk pain free. This winter I have been ice skating and cross country skiing. Overall a great experience. So very happy to be moving again. The only advice I have for anyone thinking about having this done is: BE PATIENT. It may take 2-3 months before you start feeling that it was worth it! But it is the most wonderful thing ever!

Met Dr. O’Neill many years ago and he has provided care on both knees from start to finish. Dr O’Neill, Bethany and Jen have been an amazing staff to work with. My life has changed with 2 brand new knees! The physical therapy department, Kyle and Eric were a team that helped me regain my strength and worked with me to get through exercises that were not always pleasant, but necessary to get me back on the road to recovery! I never hesitate to refer students, friends and family to TCO for orthopedic injuries. For any friends with knee issues, I guide them to Dr. Brian O’Neill as the go to doctor! Thank you TCO for a life changing experience.

Sincerely, Cheryl B.

40 years ago I had a major knee injury. Basically, I had to live with it and make the best of the situation until (as several orthopedists told me) I knew it was time to do a knee replacement. Last year that time came, and I researched my options regarding locations and orthopedists to perform this procedure. I felt my best option was the EXCEL program at TCO with Dr. Kruse. The EXCEL program is well designed for a person that is motivated to do the work necessary to regain their quality of life. In EXCEL, TCO is there in every step along the way to support you. It’s not easy… it’s hard work… but you always have the TCO staff, as well as the structure of the EXCEL program, to guide you through the journey. Dr. Kruse was great to work with. He was very honest and open about what he could do, and what I needed to do, to make this a success. He has been very supportive and caring through the entire experience. One thing I really liked about EXCEL was the fact that everything I did was “in-house” through TCO and I didn’t need to go anywhere else. Another benefit of this structure was I made one payment to TCO and didn’t have to deal with a mountain of invoices from many different providers.

I had both knees replaced by Dr. Kelly at TCO as part of the EXCEL Program and had a very positive experience. Everyone I had dealings with through the process was friendly, knowledgeable and competent.

Less than seven weeks ago I had a total knee replacement. I had full confidence in Dr. Steven Meisterling, and the result has been outstanding. The X-rays and the incision are perfect, pain is managed and I received overall great care. I was fortunate to be in the TCO EXCEL Program, recommended by Dr. Meisterling, and high praise for the medical and PT care I have received. Thank you, Dr. Meisterling and team!

Hello Mr. Simonson — I just wanted to pass along some positive feedback on my experiences with TCO and the Excel Program.

I had total knee replacement surgery on my left knee in July 2017 and my right knee in November 2017 through the Excel Program and with Dr. Kruse.  I had never had any surgeries until these so I was very nervous about doing it.  But after my first appointment with Dr. Kruse, I was confident I was in good hands and now that it’s all done, I was right!

All of the people I came in contact with from TCO were wonderful.  They always made me feel cared for and treated me like I was their only patient.  Dr. Kruse was so great and made me feel at ease every step of the way.  Everyone at the Minnesota Orthopedic Surgery Center in Fridley as well as the Coon Rapids location where I had all my pre and post appointments and physical therapy were also great.  My recovery time at Bel Rae was very comfortable and the nurses and therapists that worked with me there were amazing as well.

I want to give special mention about the therapists that spent so much time with me, Amy Lindell and Jason Bezdichek.  They are both so skilled at their jobs and were fantastic “coaches” by encouraging me and guiding me through the therapy.  When I would tell them what I was struggling with or pain I was having, they were so caring and tailored the exercises they had me doing and when I followed what they said, it always helped.  I was so lucky to be assigned to them!  I’d appreciate you passing this along to whoever their direct boss is.

Finally and most importantly, since having the surgeries, my quality of life has improved so much.  Being able to simply walk without knee pain has been awesome!  I’ve started using stairs instead of avoiding them and simple household chores have also become so much easier.  And, I’ve already been able to start doing my main hobbies pain free and have enjoyed them so much more (horseback riding and archery).

I’ve already recommended TCO to others and will continue to do so.  Again, a huge thank you to everyone at TCO!

Best regards,

Jan A.

Dr. Gulli just performed my second total knee replacement which was a huge success, as my first surgery.  Dr. Gulli and his entire team have always been extremely professional and always available to answer any questions I may have. I participated in the EXCEL Program, allowing me to know before surgery what my total financial obligation was. Also it was wonderful to receive one bill for all of the costs. I was transported to Interlude and was extremely happy with the care of the RN and PT while staying there a very short time. I would highly recommend Dr. Gulli and his team.