Hey Sue - I guess I didn't realize your hip/knee was giving you a lot of trouble.

This is just a suggestion. I've had four joints replaced - both knees, right hip, and two months ago, left shoulder. I'm 71 now and had all the work done starting in 2022. My only regret is that if I knew how much relief I would get, I'd have done the surgeries 6 months to a year earlier.

My opinion is that if you need cortisone or PRP or gel, it's probably time to simply replace the joint. By taking action before the pain becomes daily, you can control when you get the surgery. The best surgeons have very long lead times - up to 3 months for an appointment, up to 6 months for surgery.

The advice is for you and any other readers in this situation. I've had great surgeons and worked very hard at rehab, so it's not an easy road but definitely worth the effort.

Anyway, something to consider - or not!

(FWIW, cortisone is usually good to do once or twice, as that's when it's likely to be most effective. And if pain isn't constant, an injection of cortisone, PRP, gel may help you go a few months before surgery.)

All the best!

Joe