Hello, I have "severe tricompartmental osteoarthritis in both knees with medial meniscal degenerative tears bilaterally, myxoid degeneration of ACL (Right knee only), mildly distended Bakers Cyst (both knees), large joint effusion (both knees) intra-articualr loose bodies (right knee only)" (From MRI scan of both knees).
Orthopaedic surgeon has recommended full knee replacement of both knees (2 separate surgeries).
My mobility is limited (can cycle and swim but walking any significant distance or standing are painful) and I have daily pain (moderate to severe) but I am very reluctant to have surgery and am worried that if the replacement only lasts 10-15 years I would need the surgery redone if I live long (currently only 59 and most women in my family live to 100!) . Is it worth holding out for possible developments like stem cell treatments in future that might negate the need for full replacements? Or am I foolish to delay as this is having such an impact on my life?