Hi dna41,

I'm sorry for the pain you're going through. Been there.

I agree with Captain - to liberally paraphrase - the bark of a TKR is worse than the bite.

I had both knees replaced in 2022, 4 months apart at age 67. As Captain notes, this is a major surgery and the initial weeks, especially early rehab are hard. I had a diluted nerve block via catheter for the first two days after surgery to help with the worst of the pain. But my worst day in recovery/rehab was better than my best day pre-op. Each day in rehab the pain lessens until it's just gone.

If you haven't found a doc, I suggest finding someone in their mid/late 30s to their 40s, with a good med school/residency/fellowship pedigree, good references, and who have performed many, many procedures. These young Drs are very bright, current on the latest surgical techniques and tools, and they are ambitious and building a practice.

Just my opinion, but as soon as a person is bone on bone, in any joint, it's time for a replacement. Cortisone, gel, PRP shots are band aids. Of course, follow the recommendation of a trusted surgeon.

In addition to my knees, I've had my right hip replaced this March (2025) and just had my left shoulder replaced last week. The relief from the pre-op pain is incredible.

The key is doing all the rehab. I wish you all the best. Maybe you can replace your fear of surgery with faith in the process and the results of others. That's not a guarantee, but at least for me, the reward far outweighed the risk.

All the best.

Joe