Originally Posted by FloridaDave

I volunteer at a joint replacement center at the local hospital. I see people in their upper 80s getting new knees and hips, and it slays me. "Why bother at that age?" I wonder. Well, in talking with these older patients, I see someone not just trying to get away from arthritis pain, but someone trying to get back to normal, or trying to define a new normal. I always ask patients what they can't wait to get back to after rehab is done, and the answers would impress you. One woman was planning to hike the Canadian Rockies. I've had numerous patients say they simply want to get back on their bike. Wise words indeed. Don't make a joint replacement decision lightly, but do pursue it -- talk to that orthopedic surgeon!!