My left knee is shot, no padding between the bones. I have issues with it sometimes but not always, my Dr is leaving it up to me as to when I want to have it done. I'm having no real pain with it but i've seen the x-rays and there is no space between the join anymore, bone to bone. I'm thinking to put it off till absolutely needed. For those of you who have had it done, what advice from you.

It might depend partly on your age

Get it done.

I've had both mine done. Left in 2016 and Right in 2021. My experience is the longer you wait the more difficult it will be in terms of pain management and rehab. Do your exercises faithfully to get the most range as possible. Something I felt helped me was that I had 3 months PT on my legs specifically for the operation. The better shape your legs are in, the better off you'll be. Good Luck!

Had my left knee done in 2006. Bad infection. Two years of antibiotics. Same knee replaced again in 2012. Not any better. My experience is not typical. Today a knee is replaced as an out patient surgery.