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.

I Have 3 knee replacements on 2 legs. 1st knee replacement
Came loose after 5 years and had to do it all over again.
It’s a very tough operation to go through sir. Do not boo - hoo the pain pills they give you. Every one is so worried they will get addicted to them. That’s crazy talk , you will need them for 21 days. Take them.
You have to do your therapy. And it hurts. If you don’t do it scar tissue will do a number on you and your knee will stiffen up. if you don’t get to 123 degree bend I think it is ( that’s how much bend I think it is to walk up and down stairs like you should be able to do) the Dr will give you a manipulation on your knee. What they do is knock you out and they bring in 2 intern DR’s that played foot ball before med school. The 2 ex football players grab your leg and put your ankle on the back of neck about a dozen times. They do that to break the scar tissue so you can get to that 123 degrees. Then about 1 hr after they put your ankle on your neck your knee and leg turns purple but the nurses come in and bend your knee for you for about 8 hrs and hopefully you are on your road to get to a 123 degree bend. Not trying to scare you but 2 things….. take your pain pills do not wait till your hurting to take them take them 1 hr before your knee starts hurting and 2nd you must and I mean must do your therapy. If you don’t get to 123 degree your trapping days are over. Don’t ask me how I know all of this. Marty