Do Not listen to the horror stories. You will have some pain but the end result is well worth it. I had total knee replacement in July 05. Oct. 31 that year I got on my horse and we trailed the first bunch of cattle to winter pasture. Had to take it slow but made it. Just do the therapy and walk walk walk. Your are on pain meds when you come home but I cannot tolerate most so did not take them. Everytime I hurt I exercised and seemed to help but lost alot of sleep! I have osteoarthritis in back (from a colt going over backwards on me and ruptering two discs and fracturing my pelvis) but as I said....movement. I do alot of yoga and meditaion. You should have exercises to do before surgery to stregenth the muscles around it. The stronger they are the easier the recovery. Take a deep breath and will be over before you know it. Just takes time. Best thing I ever did. I was 52 when I had it done.