Another thing to consider, especially if your surgeon says it's time already, is that if you wait too long, the bone ends keep deteriorating and changing shape. That could mean that the operation will be more complicated for the reconstruction and perhaps less successful.

My Dad had his knee replaced 2 years ago at age EIGHTY-FIVE. He really worked hard at the exercises after the operation - they are painful - but now he walks withouth any pain and has taken to walking daily on a treadmill! He's now 88! He'd be in a wheelchair if not for the operation.

You just cannot jog, run, or do bouncy activities after the operation, but most of us would just be happy to be able to walk without aching for hours after.

I have had both hips replaced in the last 4 years and my life has turned around and opened up so much that it's indescribable. It used to feel as though there was a red-hot charcoal briquet in my hip when I walked, and even at night, the ache would keep me awake. So I have been given my life back.

I will need at least one revision - fixing of the pieces of the replacement - during my lifetime, but surgical techniques are imrpoving very much now. If you get your knee done now, they may not have to take off so much bone and thus, there will be more left if you need a later revision.

The hips are one reason I am working on losing the weight. All the best, whatever you decide.