Every time I think about joint replacement, I think back to my youth, before such a thing was possible, and how many of my older friends and neighbors suffered near total disability from worn out knees and hips. I remember the poor "babas" hobbling to the side entrance of the church, leaning on walking sticks. I remember the older men in the neighborhood, trying to shovel and mow, until caring people like my parents realized and mobilized us kids to help. I remember everyone being amazed that at age 60 my Dad and our pastor could still play softball with us "at that age". Because accessibility was not a "thing" in my old neighborhood, as their disability progressed, they were virtual prisoners in their homes or on their porches, unable to manage the stairs, and nowhere to go if they could - no curb cuts, no street level access to anything, no ability to go to church...

At age 50, I could not mount a ladies' bike, or walk up and down stairs due to arthritis in my hips - if the above were my future, I would have died of depression. Instead, I have had 5 hip implants, numerous smaller ortho repairs to hands knees and feet. And don't forget PT and pain therapy...

Now I think about 2021 - probably most of my 70 something friends have one or more replaced joints or repaired.We bike, walk, chase grandkids, paddleboard, play tennis and pickleball, ski...all things that were long last to prior generations.

Yes, we have complications and pain, but compared to 2-3 generations ago, we are living miracles. Just a different point of view. When the times come to replace these arthritic knees, I will not hesitate - just find the best surgeon & PT available.
Sue