There are a lot of dark, hopeless days in the eternity that passes so slowly after knee replacement surgery. I did learn some valuable lessons. Choosing the right surgeon and the right therapist is critical. My team let me down badly on a number of occasions. Having a really patient and kind coach is the only thing that got me through the whole nightmare. I did learn to keep seeking additional help from medical pros in different fields. No one person has all the answers we need in the midst of setbacks and complications. Keep searching is the best advice. The other saving grace for me was this portal, which I wish I had found before I ever decided about the surgery. You cannot learn too much ahead of time. The medical profession hides vital information from patients. I also learned that specialists see only what they practice. They can look right at evidence of illness or injury that should be obvious to the medically trained, but never notice that it's staring them in the face. They get in a rut or routine and don't keep their eyes open. I should have been directed to different specialists and had the surgery delayed because what they overlooked made all the difference between a good recovery and a seemingly endless nightmare that left me on the edge of suicide. Ortho surgery is so hard on the body that any underlying illness can derail the whole process. Doctors don't adequately screen older patients for underlying conditions. It's a real disservice to senior patients because it leads to much unnecessary suffering. When a recovery goes sideways it's so much harder to get the body back on track, and the whole experience is so rough that setbacks can lead to years of suffering. I would not do it again. I am very grateful to be able to take walks now. I am relieved over the things that did not go wrong (yet). I am very grateful to the specialist and my family doctor who stepped up to help me when the first team failed me--but the very thought of facing a joint replacement again is terrifying. I would rather die first. I would say to those who are considering doing it to get your whole body thoroughly checked out for signs of other medical conditions before you ever agree to the joint surgery. Then get in the best physical condition you can before the surgery. It's too late once you roll through those surgical suite doors. What happens before the surgery is the best determiner of success. Good luck to anyone reading this who is thinking of getting joint surgery. There are many kind, helpful people on this website who share good ideas and the wisdom of experience. I learned several things here that made a real positive difference in my outcome, and I am SO grateful to those who contributed on this site.