Thank you for the kind words. Osteoarthritis is hereditary and I have it in all my joints and in my back. I've had my big toes fused and narrowed, both knees replaced, R hip replaced, and will have L shoulder replaced next month. And in my 30s and 40s I ran about 25 marathons. But it was arthritis, not running, that did the most damage.

No metal in my back though, and I'd like to keep it that way so I work on keeping my core very strong. The other replacements worked wonders. Seems like a number of people put these surgeries off with cortisone injections (they stop working after the first or second shot) or "gel" injections which are no more than band aids.

Joint replacement surgery is very advanced. The patient must adhere to the rehab program, 3x/day, everyday for 6 to 8 weeks. Not easy but beats the alternative. And the results are incredible.

Joe