Cindy
About surgery for your osteoarthritis--- I had surgery on my hip for the same diagnosis when I was about your age. It was the worst mistake of my life. I was very uneducated about the effects of the surgery. I no longer have my original hip. Surgeons do surgery - that is how they make their living, so that is why they tell you that surgery will help -- so they can make money. I know that surgery is necessary sometimes, but please, please don't start having surgery at your age for arthritis. I went on to become a nurse after the surgery, and when I saw the procedure that they had done to me and learning that it was not necessary, I have lived with the knowledge of what I face in the future. Please, consider other options and don't jump into surgery. If this information can save just one person from the pain that I am in, I will consider myself -and you - blessed. Thank you for checking into this.