You are very welcome msjv. I have a pretty good process for selecting orthopedic surgeons, and now have very good Drs for my knees, hips, shoulders, and spine.

I still think the best thing I do to prevent pain is curtail my intake of sugar (and maintain a weight that is normal for my height or a bit lower). I love a coke now and then and the same for a cookie some for of chocolate, all of which I love. But since I intentionally cut sugar from my diet (well again, almost all.....) my arthritic joints (hips and shoulders) feel much better. My lumbar spine is in terrible shape, but my surgeon told me excellent core conditioning supports and protects the spine.