Deedles: it is so worth it. I was sure I would never let anyone cut my bones (for knee replacement)... until I got to the point of either wheelchair or knee replacement before I ever went in to see a surgeon. Silly me.
On March 11, 2011 I had my left hip replacement. I should be complete now. In 2008 I had both knees replaced within six months of each other. Following the second one I had my right hip replaced.
Surgery is not fun and each one is different but in today's technology we are truly blessed with what they can do with us!!!
Prior to having this last one done I was living a fully normal life following the first 3 surgeries. I could again carry my newborn grandchildren, get in and out of a car, carry things across the room and get in and out of a boat without worrying that I was golng to easliy topple into the water and create a spectacle of myself.
Let's see, it has been 3.5 weeks and I have been at my sewing machine for a week now. It is a bit different with knees in that you have to do physical therapy to get that knee to bend. You would be surprised what you can do if you are motivated. You just might not be able to stay at the machine for as long as previously... for a while. But, I guarantee you, that will pass and before long you will wonder why you ever waited so long.
Hope this and all of the others who have written to you have encouraged you. Just pick a surgeon that lots of your friends have gone to and been happy with. OH, also, my surgeons work with the only hospital in our area that have computer aided eqipment for very precision joint replacement. God bless you. Linda :-D