Robert B. Hartman, M.D. |
Patient Testimonials
During consultations with Dr. Hartman about joint replacement, he instilled in me the knowledge and confidence that this procedure was the right approach at this stage of my life. I am thrilled to tell you today, thanks to Dr. Hartman, I have my life back. After bilateral knee replacement performed by Dr. Hartman, I can now engage in all the physical activities that I've enjoyed my entire life. Biking, snow/water skiing, golfing, gym workouts, long distance walking can all be done pain-free once again. This photo was taken 7 months after my left knee procedure, and 16 months after my right knee procedure. Thanks to Dr. Hartman's skill and talents, I no longer have the physical limitations that kept me from my active lifestyle. With great enthusiasm, I endorse Dr. Hartman, his practice, and staff if you are contemplating joint replacement. - Eric S. Last July 8, at age 50, I had a left Cormet hip resurfacing as an outpatient. I returned to work full-time on July 20th. Prior to my surgery, I couldn't walk without a severe limp and pain. Now, I go to the gym and take various classes several times a week, as well as work out on the treadmill and elliptical machine. I had my surgery as an outpatient, and am very happy that I chose to do it that way. Home health care came out twice a day and they were wonderful. By the second day, I had the pain pump removed and was up walking around on crutches. By the third day I was going up and down the stairs and down the driveway. By the fourth day, I was in our swimming pool doing rehab exercises. I did the majority of my rehab in a swimming pool and my recovery was smooth and quick. I am now back to all the activities I once enjoyed, but was no longer able to do prior to my surgery. - Janet P.
- Henry S.
With my new knee I noticed the incision is much smaller than my previous knee replacement surgery, the recovery was much quicker, and I was home within three days. I was off crutches the third day I was home. I was at the gym doing my own therapy about 10 days after I got home. I was feeling that I was probably 75% back within three months, and 100% back at six months. I would probably say the first week of therapy was the most painful part of it, but after that the pain continued to get less and less, week by week, more of a discomfort rather pain. I work out regularly now. I do elliptical machines, legs, and I water skied this summer. I skied better than I did my entire life, and I have been water skiing for 20 years. I now have zero pain with walking, skiing, exercising, and I have my confidence back. I don't even think that my knee has been replaced. I would say if people are in a lot of pain and having trouble their daily routines, I wouldn't hesitate to tell them to have this procedure done. It can change your life from not being able to do the things you want to be able to doing them even better. - Bill S.
When you walk into Dr. Hartman's office you are greeted warmly by professionals. I was taken to the X-ray room and some pictures were taken of my hip. My wife and I were then seated in the examination room, and waited to meet Dr. Hartman. The doctor walks in and I already feel at ease; his demeanor is wonderful. He asked me what I like to do for activities, I tell him, and he says "After the procedure is completed and I heal, I'll be able to do all of these." Big difference from the first doctor I was seen by! My x-rays were put on the computer screen, Dr. Hartman told me what was wrong, and what he could do to help me; he even had a prosthesis in the room to show me what it looks / feels like! I was very comfortable with the doctor's explanations and made an appointment for surgery. Through the whole process from your initial visit until your last visit, you will have many questions. Lisa Nelson, Dr. Hartman's assistant will be able to answer your questions and help you alone the way. She is a total professional. On surgery day you will probably be in the operating room less than 2 hours. You will have the option to just stay overnight (which I did) or 3 days. My wife had a hospital bed sent to our home and it really helped in the initial days following the operation. You can raise / lower it to help get in and out of bed. I was walking 3 hours after the procedure with a walker. I walked down the hallway the next day without any aids and was discharged. It took me about a week to start feeling really good. Patients need to be diligent and do the exercises religiously. Now I have no pain at all and Dr. Hartman was right on the money with his initial comments, "You'll be able to resume your normal life style." - Bobby P.
I highly recommend Dr. Hartman for total joint replacement. As a matter of fact, my husband just had successful hip replacement. His surgeon? Dr. Hartman, of course. How could he resist my endorsement? - Marilyn K.
The ease at which Dr. Hartman put me with his knowledge and confidence at the new procedure of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty made my decision easy and I haven’t been sorry. I was out of my sling, “don’t wear that it makes you look old” in two days. Allowed to do anything! God given blessing. - Mary W. |
As a 52 year old very active male, I had dealt with deteriorating knee joints for 10 years. The pain in my knees caused a lifestyle change that I had not anticipated, nor could accept any longer. In a 10-year period, I had gone from being able to run marathons to struggling to walk to the mailbox and back. Getting out of bed became a chore and mowing the yard was a challenge. The physical activities that defined me were a thing of the past.
I am an 80 year old male patient of Dr. Robert Hartman. I first met with Dr. Hartman after being referred to him by my family physician, due to an intolerable pain in my right knee, approximately seven years ago. After a thorough examination, it was determined that a total knee replacement was necessary, which Dr. Hartman performed. Since that time, I have had both hips and a left shoulder replacement as well as a bone spur removed from the right shoulder, all performed by Dr. Hartman. After each operation, my recovery and rehabilitation has been shorter than anticipated and I have been joint pain-free since a few days after the procedures. I can now do all the things I have done in the past including yard work, gardening, home repairs, etc., without the pain I had prior to the various operations. I heartily recommend Dr. Robert Hartman and his staff to anyone contemplating total joint replacement.
I was to the point where after I had arthroscopic knee surgery, my knee declined really fast, where I couldn't walk. Even to just walk through the grocery store was extremely painful and difficult. I had to stop 8-10 times just to rest because it hurt so much. Basically I got to the point where I couldn't walk. 
My name is Robert Purzitza and I am 44 years old. I was experiencing pain in my right leg where the femur bone meets the hip socket. Before I was properly diagnosed I thought it might be my lower back or something in that area. I first went the route of the Chiropractor, Acupuncture, and back / hip injections. All of these procedures gave minor, temporary relief only. I am a Line Maintenance manager at Northwest Airlines and a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard. The first orthopedic doctor I went to see took X-rays, told me my Air Force career was over, tossed me a pamphlet on total hip replacement and said "Pick out a hip type you would like" and left the room. My wife and I just looked at each other, unbelievable! Here I am, 44 years old, with a bad hip and a pamphlet. My son Isaiah has a friend who had a knee and hip replacement performed by Dr. Hartman. Isaiah said his friend had negative results from previous surgeries and Dr. Hartman fixed him up and he was good to go. What did I have to lose?
In the summer of 1998, my legs looked like parenthesis. The cartilage was worn out. A friend directed me to Dr. Hartman and three weeks later, I had straight legs and a brand new set of knees. The first time out of bed was a challenge, to say the least, but in retrospect, having them replaced simultaneously was the only way to go. Realizing the window of opportunity to restore the range of motion was small, I was diligent in doing my physical therapy exercises and it has been worth it. Today, at age 70, I can dance, garden, and keep up with an active, incredibly busy life. 
I was so fortunate that my children took me back to Minnesota for rotator cuff surgery. They would be able to help me after. My orthopedic surgeon had retired and the new one wasn't too sure what he would do.