For nearly ten years, Dwight Dial lived with worsening pain in his left knee. After decades of farming and raising livestock, everyday movement slowly became something he had to work around.
“I found myself having to sit down all the time just to get the weight off my leg,” Dwight said. “As long as I kept moving, I was okay. But if I stopped to visit with someone, I couldn’t just stand and talk. It was limiting a lot of my social life.”
After years of living with the pain, Dwight knew it was time to find a solution. Choosing Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics came naturally. His late wife worked there for 26 years, and after her passing, Dwight now serves on the Patient & Family Advisory Board. Through those experiences, he had seen the dedication of the people who care for patients every day.
“I wanted to help get the word out about what a wonderful facility we have here for people who need surgeries like this,” he said.
From the start, Dwight was surprised by how quickly things moved. “I don’t think it was a full month from my first appointment until surgery,” he said. “A lot of people think they’re going to wait and wait. At Stewart Memorial, you can get the care you need without a long delay.”
Dwight underwent a total knee arthroplasty on his left knee. He credits Lacey Crimmins, ARNP, with helping him feel informed and confident before surgery. That first appointment set the tone for his experience, as the orthopedic team made sure he understood each step and felt prepared moving forward.
“Lacey answered every question I had,” he said. “After meeting with her, I didn’t have any questions left. She explained everything and made me feel ready. Everyone made me feel like, ‘You’ve got this.’”
Dwight also spoke highly of the care he received from multiple members of the surgery prep and recovery teams, including Andrea Kramer, RN, and Wendell Spencer, CRNA, who helped him feel at ease before and after surgery. He said their calm presence and support made a meaningful difference in how relaxed he felt going into the procedure.
When surgery day arrived, Dwight said the preparation and surgical teams helped him feel calm and supported throughout the entire process.
“Everyone was so professional, but they also made you feel comfortable,” he said. “Before I knew it, surgery was over.”
“I was walking with physical therapy just a couple of hours after surgery when I met Dr. Miller in the hallway,” Dwight said with a smile. “He said he’d see me in two weeks. I remember thinking he must have done a pretty good job because I was already up walking.”
The next day, Dwight returned home and began physical therapy at Stewart Memorial. He is currently working closely with the rehabilitation team, including Ann Riat, Derrick Henkenius, Hannah Halbur, and Kay Crabb, who are helping guide him through his recovery.
“Our physical therapy facility has everything you need after surgery,” Dwight said. “But what really makes the difference are the people. They’re professionals who know what they’re doing, and they genuinely want to help you succeed.”
Each visit is helping him regain strength and confidence, and he continues to notice improvements in his mobility and comfort.
Looking back, Dwight says the experience has stood out because of how seamlessly everyone works together. “You feel like you’re in your own private hospital,” he said. “It feels calm, people are attentive, and everyone works together. You never feel like just another patient.”
“I highly recommend Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics,” he said. “From Lacey Crimmins, ARNP, and Dr. Elijah Miller, to the surgery prep team, nurses, physical therapists, and everyone involved, they all work together to help you get back to living your life.”
If joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, learn more about orthopedic services or request an appointment at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics.