Thank you very much for this post. My knees have been bone-on-bone for years now due to osteoarthritis. However, finally, I’m finally going in for bi-lateral knee replacement in a couple of weeks. Doc sez I’ll get most of my mobility back. It’ll be worth the discomfort. I hope.
I wish you good luck. I cannot imagine having both knees done at the same time. Although, at least they will both heal together. Take good care of the wounds, rub in vitamin E oil three times a day. It will help with your mobility.
I have another suggestion for you: ditch your old sneakers. They have molded themselves to your old gait and will hamper your recovery now that your legs are straight. Buy a pair of Hoka walking shoes. They are marvelously cushioned and very stable - and expensive. They’ll help you learn to walk in a straight line again.
My 88 year old father’s knees are bone on bone. Couple years ago his doctor recommended replacement of both of his knees. Doctor said he had done a knee replacement on a 93 year old patient. I think he would be up for it but it means my mom would be by herself for a month or two.
Good luck. Physical therapy after knee replacement is essential to retain mobility. Been there done that.