When you're deciding whether to have knee replacement surgery, it may help to hear what other people thought about as they made their decision.
[First man] "I've been taking pain medicine for the arthritis in my knee, but it just isn't working.
I've thought about knee replacement ... but for me, that would be a last resort ...
and my doctor said there are plenty of other things I can try first.
I know losing some weight would help, so with her advice, I made a plan of swimming and healthy eating to help me slim down.
We agree that's the best thing I can do to keep my arthritis from getting worse.
She said there are other medicines we can try too."
[Woman] "The pain in my knees ... especially the left one ...
has gotten worse and worse over the past 20 years.
Now it's so bad, I can't work in my garden anymore ...
and I've had to cut back on my exercise classes and volunteer work too.
This is making me feel old!
It's no way to live: in constant pain and not able to do the things I love.
I know it'll take time and I'll have to do a lot of rehab, but I'm more than willing if it will help me get back to my life."
[Second man] "I've been an athlete most of my life, and I've had knee injuries and surgeries a few times.
At this point, my doctor says the only surgery choice I have left is knee replacement.
My right knee hurts pretty bad sometimes, so part of me would like to go ahead and get it replaced.
But I heard that the joints they use only last 10 to 20 years.
I worry that if I get a knee replacement at my age, I'll have to have it done again later.
For now, I'm going to try a different pain medicine.
As long as I'm able to stay active, I'm going to hold off on surgery."
Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of surgery.
It's important to share those feelings with your doctor, so that the two of you can talk them over, combine them with the medical facts, and choose the best treatment for you.
