heather cherrier
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        speaking as someone who has undergone years of surgery for arthritis in both knees, I can sympathize with you.  I haven't had the replacement yet, but I know many who have.  All have gone from being totally miserable and in a few cases, hardly able to get around, to being like new people.  A lady down the street, had it done in October and is now walking 5 miles a day and hardly limps.  She'll have the other one done next year.  Yes it is painful and can take a long rehab, but the outcome is miraculous for most.  It's a life changing surgery.    Good luck!!!