[Gerri]

Lani,

I am taking into consideration all of the information you have sent my way. One thing I need to do is speak to the surgeon again. I had four medical appointments that day and did not ask a lot of questions. I didn't even tell him about my shoulder problems because I did not know exactly what was causing my pain. He has left the decision of having one or both knees done up to me. I chose bilateral because I just want it over and done with but I am seriously considering changing it to one at a time.

My surgeon is a hip and knee specialist and came highly recommended. He is Dr. Steve Barnett with the Orthopedic Specialty Institute in Orange County and is a member of the AAHKS. From what I understand he does the majority of knee replacements at St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange. I live in Southern California and can travel to Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino County if I choose to seek a second opinion.

Thanks for the info, sobering, but thought provoking to be sure.