@mari, from my own personal experience my right knee was indeed bone on bone. Once the cartilage had all been worn away, my knee bones rubbed on each other for so long that eventually my inner knee became deformed. You are not incorrect however when you say that our legs would not bend or straighten easily. Before my TKR, when I would wake up in the morning my right leg would be frozen in a bent position and I would have to physically loosen it by cracking it straight with my arms. The pain that resulted is why I ultimately had my surgery.

I understand your hesitancy to have the surgery, as I felt the same and pushed mine as far as I possibly could. Will you keep us updated on your progress and how the stem cells work for you? It would be great to hear a success story from one of our active members!

I have that knee brace and love it. Wear it biking, golfing, gardening. Everyone with poor knees should wear one.

Yes, its very lite weight and comfortable except for what to wear under it. With normal pants - it seems to slide down a bit.
Have been buying tights and that seems to work.
Do you want to share what you wear?