Stories - I decided to have my knee replaced when:

.. on May 2nd I'm having a TKR (right). I finally approached the 'I can't take this anymore' place when having to hold onto furniture and walls during the night to go to the restroom. My ortho surgeon has been after me for almost a year to get this done but I haven't wanted to disrupt my life on the farm to be laid up in recovery. What I didn't realize is that by putting it off my activity level would continue to diminish. I'm at 25% now and in pain constantly. Many have said, 'it's not going to be easy but you'll be glad you did it once recovered'. My surgeon told me I would hate him the first week but learn to respect him again in coming weeks. Those admonishments plus my online research have giving me enough warning. But I keep going back to what a pain-free day will be like again. What having the ability to ride my bike & horse will be like again. And my desire to put a sock on without moaning! SO, I'm up.. a few more weeks and I will have a brand new knee. I'm hanging onto thoughts of fun again in the months post recovery. And I'm really hoping to get encouragement in the pages of this site.