My daughter had both knees replaced. 1st one at age of 42 and 2nd one at 44. They kept putting her off because of age until she was nearly crippled. She is a nurse and was on her feet constantly at that time. The Dr. apologized after the lst surgery as he saw how bad the knee had gotten. His theory was that you would probably need it done again in 10-12 years. She had both knees scoped and had taken the shots. Nothing helped until after the surgery. It has been 10 years for the lst one and she is doing great. I had my left knee replaced two months after she did. Had tried the shots and lived on pain pills. It really helped me that she had already been through all this and cheered me on. Stayed in rehab 11 days because I could not bend the knee to the degree they wanted. Could walk but just could not get the knee to bend enough. It was tedious but really learned a lot about how to take care of your legs. Didn't realize how important it is about getting in a car and how you sit down in a chair and getting in and out of a bed. I had done all of them wrong. Am a complete wimp so the recovery was quite a bit longer for me, about 3 months. Our precious granddaughter stayed with us and carried lots of bags of ice and took me to therapy 3 times a week. Lots of people recover much sooner but doctor said some people's nerve endings (or something like that) was closer to the surface and they could not stand pain. That was definitely me! It is so important to do all the exercises they give you because that will determine how flexible you are later. Still have trouble getting that knee to bend good, but was so excited when it got to the point that I could get on my knees to do my gardening. While I was in rehab there was a lady that was 70 and had just had the surgery. Said she would have the 2nd one done about 4 months later. Thought I would throw up just thinking about it. They say that "usually" you have to have the 2nd one done as you have probably damaged it giving in to the bad one. Thank goodness I have not had to do that. Hope this helps and good luck. Dora Lou

I wish your DH good luck with his surgery. I'm having a knee replacement replaced Tuesday - it's called a "revision." Am both dreading & looking forward to it to get the pain over with. Then having other knee replaced early next year. Did you have both your knees done at the same time?

Sorry I'm so late in getting back with responses to all of you. I sincerely appreciate the time you've taken to write and help me get past my fears. And each of you have touched on different aspects of the surgery/recovery process and shared valuable information and experiences. I need to have both knees done as they are both "bone on bone", but actually do not hurt all of the time. That makes it easier for me to question if I'm doing the right thing. I used to enjoy walking as a form of exercise, but now have trouble with any distance walking. I do water aerobics instead. I can not shop on concrete floors for more than 30 minutes. I find myself not doing things I used to if it involves much walking and that feels very limiting. I did get a RX for "pre-hab" PT to get in shape for surgery knowing it was in my future. I did that for several months last summer and have continued with the exercises at home. I've also been doing water aerobics for the same reason. I'm slowly getting prepared. Fori: I'm hearing a lot of comments about people wishing they would have done it sooner. I hope I feel that way! Rita: I hear you-that's why I'm not waiting. Gscience: Your sister sounds like she really turned it around! Hhireno: What the bff's boyfriend is now doing is really encouraging! Aok: Your MIL gives me hope! Jmc & 3katz: I hope I'm one of those wishing I had done it sooner! Iowa: Hoping for results like your dad and not your aunt!! Cawaps: Yes, the risks are one of my fears. I always think I will be the one that is the exception and things will go wrong. And my doctor does a spinal block and I've never had one. Cooper: That is why I'm going thru with it now, rather than waiting. Mojomom: Your DH gives me hope! Maire_Cate: I wish I had the nerve to have both done at the same time and could get it all over with at once. I don't. I do use a pad now for gardening and also one inside for any kneeling purposes. Glad to hear you can still garden. I may need to purchase a garden cart. Westsider: I do hope your pain has lessened and things are looking up. Anglo: I am hoping the pre-hab will pay off. Faron & Maire: I've heard great things about the ice machine and have already purchased one and it is the Breg! Southern Vesta: I think I, too, have gone thru the grief stages. I haven't had other surgeries affect me like this. Kathy Yata: Sounds like you've come a long way and your trike sounds interesting. Thanks, Liz

Your qualified installer should be answering your questions - as well as booking a rough-in or fireplace framing inspection if it's deemed necessary by your municipality.