@merpreb
I agree with you about managing the pain. It’s a hard decision to make about relying on pain meds but I think there comes a point in your life , and depending on your age, when it is a necessary evil. Also hard to decide about surgeries. I worked for an orthopedic practice for nearly 20 years and have seen the good and bad about joint replacements and back surgeries and would probably only go that route if pain couldn’t be managed. Difficult to say and there are no guarantees. But quality of life is so important. Food for thought.

Regards from FL Mary