I've had 16 surgeries in the last 4 years to fix the leg I broke and just had another significant surgery at the end of July to replace the broken rod in my leg (I'll be getting around in a walking boot for the next 6 months...). And I really could do without another surgery! LOL

In my time in rehab I worked side by side with a lot of folks that had knee replacements. To a person - they all raved about the positive after effects of the surgery. It completely changed their lives - probably the one surgery that will have the biggest positive impact on you. If you can tolerate the first 48 hours after surgery, the rest is completely downhill.

The only caveat I would say (given my personal situation - someone was kind enough to pass on a case of MRSA - which led to them cutting out large chunks of bone...) - make DAMN sure people around you glove up and clean/wash their hands before they touch you. You do not want those MRSA bugs to get around, near or in the wounds. Be a fanatic about it - no one else will...

Good luck!