Patient Testimonials

I'm completely happy! I was only in the hospital for 2 days! It has been a lifestyle change, I'm back to doing everything I used to do before my hip replacement! I was off of my crutches in 1 1/2 weeks. Dr. Stewart listened to everything I had to say and answered all my questions I had. He helped me make the right choice for me. I get to the end of the day now and I don't hurt, and that really does change your life!

Kristy Mattice

"Hats off and Thanks to Dr. Stewart and his wonderful medical staff. After several appointments and discussions, I made the decision to do something about the pain in my hip. Being a four sport athlete in college, injuries had taken their toll on the body. Prior to the surgery my movement had become so limited that it was difficult to even put on shoes and socks! One of the keys to the decision was the amount of time that Dr. Stewart spent discussing what activities and life style goals would be reasonable after hip surgery. Golf, fishing,boating and owning a resort require a tremendous amount of physical activity. He felt that "hip resurfacing" would be the best path to regain full movement. Surgery was performed Nov 1st. The surgery went very well and by the following week, I was walking without assistance of any kind! All the previous pain had also vanished. By continuing his recommended therapy I feel that could be near 100% within 4-6 weeks." As it is often said, I should have done it sooner!"

Scott Hanson

My knees have been troublesome for many years after 30 years of being a large animal veterinarian and an active scout leader where we did many hiking and canoeing adventures. This last high adventure trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in July/August of 2007 pushed the knees over the edge where I had to do something to rid me of the pain and grinding in both knee joints. I saw Dr Stewart of Oak Leaf Surgical Hospital and we decided to Get R Done!!! We did. The surgery went well and the recovery was rapid for me. I only spent 4 days in the hospital and walked to the car with crutches when I went home. I was off of crutches about 2 weeks after surgery. The only pain that I had early on was controlled by medication. I didn't need it for long. Approximately 2 weeks after surgery I stopped medication as I only felt stiffness in the joints. Now I do not experience any joint grinding or pain as was noted prior to surgery. 8 weeks after surgery I am out in the woods and hunting deer!! I am very satisfied with the surgery and treatment that I was given by Dr, Stewart and associates at Oak Leaf Surgical Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Great people, Great surgery, Great Hospital.

Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fetsch

After my recent hip dislocation, Dr. Stewart was recommended to me, because of the careful attention he pays to proper placement of the prosthetics during surgery, minimizing my risk of a future dislocation. Dr. Stewart paid serious attention to my extreme hip flexibility issues. His surgical knowledge and patient demeanor eased my fears about the need for Total Hip Replacement revision surgery. Dr. Stewart also did a wonderful job with my incision, which was an added bonus, as I am a younger THR patient. I have been so pleased with the attention I received under Dr. Stewart’s care. Thank you, Dr. Stewart, from the bottom of my…….well, “bottom”! : )

Jane Christian
Chippewa Falls, WI

Dr. Stewart was wonderful! If I had to have anything else done, it would be there with him. I couldn't sleep and it hurt to stand! There was 18" between my knees- with my feet together! Now that I had my knee surgery, my knees touch when I stand with my feet together! I probably wouldn't be milking cows today if I didn't have this surgery done! I feel great!

Thomas Salvey

I wanted to pass on a success story for you to share with unloader brace candidates. Several years ago I had my left knee operated twice to remove torn meniscus tissue on the inner right side of the knee. After this surgery my life changed in a dramatic way. I was no longer able to be as mobile as I once was with my daily life, my very active kids as well as my fishing guide business and fishing tournament career. I had to slow down and always make sure I was looking out for my left knee. Every morning after an active day I would be limping around like I had a broken leg. I got the nick name of “Old Man” by my kids.

Needless to say I had to do something about this. I made an appointment with my family doctor to discuss my knee and what my options were. My family doctor referred me to you for further evaluation of what my options were.

Already knowing in the back of my mind I did not want any further operations you confirmed that I would not be a good candidate for knee replacement at my age because by the time I turned sixty I would probably be on my third knee replacement. Other options included cortisone shots, growth tissue injected into the knee and the unloader brace. Skeptical about all of them because they were new to me I decided on the unloader brace because it is something that I can control. I like being in control of what happens to me so I thought if I am going to get better it would be up to me to wear the brace.

I will have to admit the first time I wore the brace I couldn't stand it. It felt weird and it itched. But like anything new you have to take time with it and give it a chance. I thought the real proof if it works or not would be when wear it fishing. One thing to point out is that when I go fishing it is usually for 8 hours or more at a time and I am standing the whole time. Keep in mind that when I go fishing I am either guiding, tournament fishing or fishing with my family or friends. Usually during this time I would be in agony because my knee hurt so much so I would start popping Advil left and right thinking that this would kill the pain. No such luck.

But to my relief the unloader brace worked. It took the pressure off of my inner knee and let me be mobile again. I have been wearing the brace now for a little over 3 years and basically take it with me where ever I go. To be honest I do not wear it everyday for just your normal every day routine. But if I know I am going to be on my feet for an extended period of time or walking a long ways I have it on.

I my line of work I travel a lot so I go through many airports so I stand in long lines and walk a long ways. I do many Trade Shows throughout a year wear you stand for a long time. I own a fishing guide business and enter many fishing tournaments. Last but most important I want to still be active with my kids as they grow up. The unloader brace helps me to do all of this.

Darrin Engstrom