Has anyone had a total elbow replacement?

Hi, I'm new here. Also trying to decide about surgery. Need total elbow replacement in both arms, right arm is worse than left. Trying to make an informed decision but it's difficult. My doctor in San Diego is affiliated with the University and has done more elbow replacements than anyone else in the area. But he did warn me it might only be partially successful and that I would take a year to recover. I'm in my mid-70s. I hate the pain but really, what's the tradeoff? Next month I am trying some very expensive injections that insurance does not cover. I live a pretty active life and it's hard to accept that one way or another this is going to bring me to a grinding halt.

One of my very good friends had it on one elbow. He is a world renowned artist. He went back to doing his artwork and he was very happy without the pain and then he got into lifting weights. So I don’t know what the other person who commented is talking about the weight restrictions maybe close to the surgery but he lifts so much weight. It’s absolutely scary! The thing to know about joint replacements, and I’ve had many (hips, lumbar, to cervical spine and probably heading back for another lumbar) is that you want to find your Prince charming of surgeons. I kissed so many frogs along the way it was unbelievable but when I arrived at my prince, I was in good hands. If you’re not sure visit more doctors and get more opinions. You wouldn’t believe the variety of opinions I got, but when I got to the right surgeon, I couldn’t schedule the surgery fast enough. If you have a good surgeon, you will have no regrets after your surgery if that’s what the good surgeon recommends you do.