LaVonda’s Story: Double Knee Replacement Success

Ventura resident LaVonda Whitney loves her active beach life – walking the sand, getting knee-deep in the water, and taking photos. When plans for two knee procedures threatened to sideline her, LaVonda was determined not only to get back to the life she loves, but to do so with great independence.

"You have a preconceived idea of what knee surgery recovery will be like," LaVonda says. “It was much easier than I imagined … you hit the ground running.”

Facing a total joint replacement can be intimidating. Patients often struggle with knowing how to prepare for major orthopedic surgery and ensure a smooth recovery. With Community Memorial Healthcare's Prehabilitation Program, you can go into surgery with the confidence to get back to doing what you love.

Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura is recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement. This designation by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association acknowledges the hospital's expertise in delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes for total joint replacement patients. For LaVonda, this made all the difference.

Two Surgeries, One Path to Independence

LaVonda's journey included two total knee replacements. Her first surgery was initiated by Community Memorial Healthcare Family Medicine physician, Matthew McCreary, MD, who got the ball rolling with the required supportive diagnostic and referral first steps. The first surgery took place in September 2024, followed by the second in February 2025. Both were performed by Jonathon Ross Burge, DO using the advanced SMART procedure.

Working hand in hand with LaVonda, Dr. Burge designed a treatment plan tailored to her needs and desired lifestyle. LaVonda found immediate comfort, as he listened to her requests and helped set goals to achieve the best possible range of motion following surgery. But the true game-changer was the guidance she received from the Prehabilitation Program and Community Memorial’s Orthopedic Nurse Navigator, Kathryn Harada, BSN.

The Power of Prehab

Immediately following her meeting with Dr. Burge, LaVonda's preparation for surgery began. She connected with Kathryn and her team for prehabilitation orientation at the Community Memorial Wellness & Fitness Center. “Prehab” refers to a prescribed program of specific exercises to do regularly in preparation for your procedure. Surgical patients are encouraged to start prehabilitation as early as eight weeks before their procedures.

“The most crucial part of the Orthopedic Nurse Navigator role in Prehabilitation is educating patients on the importance of 'starting strong' before their surgery,” says Kathryn. “Research has shown that patients who participate in an exercise or strength training program prior to surgery have positive outcomes such as shorter recovery times and increased range of motion. Their success is a shared success, and we are excited to partner with them on their wellness journey.”

The Community Memorial Prehabilitation Program is designed to be supportive and personalized, encouraging patients to reach their full potential.

“What I love about Kathryn is she kept it real from the beginning and provided so many helpful resources,” says LaVonda.

The orientation was thorough and candid. LaVonda could see the physical implants used in the procedures on a table, helping her and other surgery candidates visualize what would happen. They were encouraged to ask questions and share experiences. Each attendee leaves with a bag filled with surgery preparation resources, including body wash to prevent infection and a pre-surgery drink that aids in wound healing and prevents post-op nausea.

This direct line of communication to Kathryn and the prehabilitation team is what helped Lavonda recover quickly and without complications.

"The more information you have, the easier it is for you to have a good experience." says LaVonda.

Remarkable Recovery: Getting Back to Life

The immediate post-op mantra was simple: "When you wake up, it’s time to walk baby!"

She credits the supportive staff at Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura from the nurses from nurses to the physical therapists therapy - who ensured she felt heard and well-cared for after both surgeries.

Her recoveries were truly remarkable. Following the first surgery in September 2024, she took her first train trip solo with her upright walker just 3 months post-op to visit a friend in Southern California. She shared that "Lots of prayer, strength from physical therapy and my upright walker helped me navigate distance and varied terrain with confidence." After the second surgery in February 2025, knowing exactly what to expect, she confidently took a 10-day trip to New York just four months post-op. On this trip, she navigated both train and air travel with the aid of her walker for distance and to carry her luggage, and walking sticks for support. She even surprised herself by navigating stairs daily.

“LaVonda embodies the spirit of an engaged individual that is committed to a successful surgical recovery,” Kathryn says. “She had a goal and worked towards that goal to ultimately surpass her expectations. LaVonda planned how she was going to prepare her body to be ready for joint replacement surgery by participating in prehab and shared her recovery goals and how she was going to move forward with her new life. She maintained a contagious positive attitude and never doubted her determination. To see the pictures of LaVonda on hikes and the smile on her face says it all. This is why prehab is a powerful tool for all joint replacement and spine surgery patients.”

Today, LaVonda is living the life she loves. She’s busy with family, keeping up with her mother on their trips to "Disneyland" (Costco), and most importantly, enjoying the beach — activities few would expect from a double total knee replacement patient.

She’s even found a new appreciation for the simple things, like parking further from the grocery store.

Her powerful advice for anyone considering surgery to improve their quality of life is clear:

"If you’re looking to have surgery and improve quality of life, absolutely do it."

Prehabilitation benefits include:

• Improving your strength, flexibility, and functional ability
• Preparing your body for the challenges associated with your surgery
• Facilitating a smoother and more rapid recovery
• Strengthening your upper body so you can easily operate a walker after surgery
• Familiarizing you with exercises you will be asked to do during rehabilitation

To learn more about Joint & Spine Replacement and the Prehabilitation programs available at Community Memorial Healthcare, click here.