How a life-changing procedure restored Sandy Klein’s mobility and quality of life.
As a successful realtor in the Corona, Riverside and Eastvale communities, Sandy Klein is very active doing what she loves – helping people find their new home or selling their property to move on to a new adventure. A resident of Corona for 45 years, she is also involved in the Circle City Rotary, The Children's Miracle Network, Corona Chamber of Commerce, and on the Boards for Corona Police Community Partnership and Peppermint Ridge.
Klein is not one to be sidelined, but when her chronic knee problem became more aggravated, she knew a total knee replacement was in her future. “I am typically very active, showing homes, and getting around. But sitting at the desk and then getting up, it was painful,” she says.
Conservative treatment was not working
“I have had conservative therapy over the years, and most recently, cortisone shots, but they were no longer working,” says Klein. “It was bone-on-bone and arthritis, so I didn’t really have a choice but to pursue surgery.”
One morning at a Rotary meeting, Klein met Omar Kadri, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacements. “As soon as I met him, I liked him.
I decided to set up an appointment so he could evaluate my knee,” she says. “I was very impressed, and we decided to move forward with my knee replacement. He explained how he would do the surgery using the Mako SmartRobotics™ equipment.”
Available at Southwest Healthcare Corona Regional Medical Center, this advanced technology provides relief for joint pain using minimally invasive robotic surgery. It creates a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy, which helps the surgeon improve accuracy during the procedure.
Preparing for surgery
Klein explains that Dr. Kadri gave her very detailed information and outlined the processes that would take place before, during, and after surgery. “I received a whole packet, and PT was very proactive, setting up my post-op appointment four weeks before my surgery. They are really on the ball!” she says. Her surgery was scheduled for November 13, and Klein said she was given a spinal block and was very relaxed. “It took about three hours, and since the surgery was later in the day, I stayed overnight. But in the morning, PT was there and ready to get me up and moving around,” she says.
When asked about her pain post-surgery, Klein had to chuckle. “Dr. Kadri warned me. He said I was going to hate him the first two weeks, but then I would be very happy. But it was not so bad because Dr. Kadri gave me the right amount of medication to keep me comfortable, and it was not overdone, so I was grateful for that,” she says. “Those two weeks went really fast!”
Grateful for Corona Regional
Regarding her hospital experience, Klein had rave reviews. “Everything at the hospital went very smoothly. The nurses took great care of me and explained everything that would happen,” she says. “I have had surgeries here at Corona Regional before and have always felt comfortable and had a great experience. I highly recommend this hospital!”
Klein recently completed the rest of her PT and had a follow up appointment with Dr. Kadri. “My knee is still doing wonderful. It is problem-free, and I can stand up from sitting for a long time and start walking, without having to steady myself,” she says. “I am so grateful, and don’t think I could have had a better doctor than Dr. Kadri. Having the procedure done with the Mako drastically improved my recovery. I can now get around freely and get back to doing what I love, pain-free!”