hi, becky,

i've had surgery on my left knee for a torn miniscus. The MD said it would be a cinch and I'd be back to normal in no time. No time took 3 years! I decided to walk through the pain (I love to walk.) and surprise, surprise, the pain went away when the knee became stronger. Of course, this is not as serious as your knee condition. Knee transplants are very painful and infections are very serious. I hope you have gotten second opinions from other MDs. Do you have one of those scooters to help you get around rather than rely on walking? If not, you might consider getting one as it might let you reduce or eliminate the taking of opiates. I wish you the best.