I want to thank all you guys for your votes of confidence.....I feel better about this now.

JR

Keep us posted, I bet you'll be dancin' in the isles in no time

Thanks, Kal!

My uncle (an old SeaBee) had his hip replaced at 75 and about 7 months after doug out a basement one wheel barrel at a time under his cottage in New Hampshire, and anyone who lives in NH knows how hard the ground is there.  He said he felt like he was 20 again

Thanks for your input, Mark....that's always been my fear. The fact that the joint would be forever compromised in respect to strength. Thank you for sharing this.

JR

Have not had any replacements but I have heard from several that you must follow the guidance established by the physical theripist.  I do know of a man who followed the rules exactly for the first knee and on the second he thought he knew more than his physical theripist and he never walked again.

JR,
My boss is 62. He has had both hips replaced in the last 3 years. Says it was the best thing he has ever done.
After the last one, he was downhill skiing a few months after the operation.
Before the operation, he had to stop bowling because of the pain.
Just Do It!
You won't regret it.
Good luck! But you won't need it.

Thank you, Gentlemen!!!!  I've gotten more info and encouragement from you all than from my actual doctor.  Surgeons! This guy's got the personality of a screen door, which doesn't help when dealing with something like this. At 51, I think I'm still fairly young. I want to thank everyone again for your words of comfort...my wife and I are very appreciative.

JR

P.S. Orthopedic surgeons are just glorified mechanics. I'm sure one of you top wrenches is capable of performing this procedure...All we need is a "how-to" instructional VHS tape.

Several years ago Hugh Down has two joints replaced.  On TV he praised the procedures, and it was easy to tell he moved much better.  I have never heard a negative.

Thanks, Ken!  Glad the Mrs. is doing better.

JR