JENNIE
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        If your mother would do what the doctor says,   she will be closer to knee surgery. I would  check out congestive heart failure.  She needs  to be om excellent shape for surgery.  I just  had both knees done in January.  It was not   bad at all and I am so much better - I can walk.  I have to take fluid pills when my ankles swell.  Walking and moving around helps this a lot.  Good luck.