Sandy, I wish I could offer something, anything helpful. I know you are much worse than I am and I have mobility issues. You are so right to keep your portions under control. Can you do any kind of floor work like leg lifts, etc? I have been looking for a way to work my lower body that did not involve squats nor lunges. Hey, it is even hard to do pushups without using your legs.
Does ice or heat help at all? Take care sweetie, I'm thinking of you.