Linda
Hi: I had the left knee replacement done in Dec. '99 and the right one in May '2000 & have NEVER regreted it. I was in the hosp. for 5 days each time and did very well. My opinion is "mind over matter". I truly had VERY little pain..I took tylenol ES tabs from OTC & the rehab. for complete recovery takes a year, however it is wonderful to be mostly pain free..sometimes when the weather is changing (I live in Iowa) the knees ache some but nothing compared to when I had all the problems. I was truly @ the point that I could NOT go grocery shopping or anything only via w/c. My Dr. told me that as long as I took care of the knees and did NOT do factory work or such that requires a lot of walking or standing they would last 20-30 years. I was put on the machine that keeps your knee bending immediately following surgery and was walking the next day with a walker which I gave up in about 2-3 weeks. I still occ. take a tylenol ES IF my knees ache...but I do not regret the surgery @ all. Swimming is the best exercise as the weight is light when in the water & I have signed up @ various times for the water therapy classes @ the local Y. Good luck to you. But this MUST BE YOUR DECISION. I am 58 yrs. of age now & my Dr. said maybe I should wait when I went to him however with NO quality of life I opted to do it then and he was in total agreement. Take care and again good luck!!!!