At 72, Diane is still saying yes to camping trips, hikes, travel with friends and time with her 12 grandchildren. She even recently played capture the flag on an all-girls trip to Galveston, Texas.
A few years earlier, Diane was having trouble simply walking the way she used to. After years of working in insurance, she was used to taking daily walks during lunch. But over time, those walks became harder. She could not go as far. She felt like herself leaning forward. Her body felt tired from trying to stay upright.
“I was starting to hunch over,” Diane said.
At first, she did not know what was wrong. Her primary care doctor did not have a clear answer, and Diane had been referred to another orthopedic surgeon. But something did not feel right. Her daughter encouraged her to seek a second opinion.
That search led Diane to Dr. Presley Swann, of HCA HealthONE Knee and Hip – a part of HCA HealthONE. From the first visit, Diane felt she had found the right surgeon. Dr. Swann listened, evaluated her carefully, and quickly identified what others had not. Her hips were severely damaged, and one hip had fused to her pelvis. Diane said Dr. Swann explained that delaying treatment could significantly affect her mobility.
“He was the only one that figured this out,” Diane said. “He knew right away what was wrong.”
In March 2019, Dr. Swann replaced both of Diane's hips during the same surgery. While not appropriate for every patient, Diane said she trusted his recommendation. Diane completed in-home physical therapy before transitioning to outpatient therapy. She said she was surprised by how quickly she recovered.
“After he did both hips, I could stand up straight and I didn’t have any pain,” Diane said. “I walked straight.”
She even gained back height she had lost from being hunched over.
“I’m taller now,” she said with a laugh.
Years later, Diane returned to Dr. Swann for another joint replacement. In January 2025, he replaced her left knee, which had begun turning inward and made the stairs difficult. This time, the procedure was outpatient. After surgery, Diane woke up to Dr. Swann shaking her hand.
Diane completed in-home physical therapy before transitioning to outpatient therapy. She said she was surprised by how quickly she recovered.
“My knee is as straight as can be. I can walk fine,” Diane said. “No pain for any of it, and that was the biggest thing.”
With four daughters and 12 grandchildren, ages 5 to 26, Diane stays busy in all the best ways. Around her family, “Grandma Di” is often on call for babysitting, helping out and saying yes to the next adventure.
For Dr. Swann, Diane’s outcome reflects why he chose to specialize in joint replacement.
“Diane's story is why I chose orthopedic surgery and joint replacement," Dr. Swann said. “When properly done, these surgeries are life changing. It warms my heart that she can participate in an active lifestyle with her 12 grandchildren.”
He said successful outcomes require a whole team approach, with the patient playing one of the most important roles.
“The fact that Diane is still taking all-girls trips and playing capture the flag speaks to her tenacity and zest for life,” Dr. Swann said. “To be a part of that is such an honor.”
For Diane, surgery gave her more than straighter joints. It gave her the ability to keep showing up for the people and moments she loves.
“I can’t catch the grandkids anymore,” she said, “but I can play with them.”
Learn more about our orthopedic care and find a doctor.