As you know, I'm a retired OR nurse. But my BFF had both knees replaced (2 surgeries about 6 months apart) and the quality of her life has greatly improved. My dad (in the dark ages) had both knees at the same time replaced with just one surgery. He was much more debilitated post-op, but after a brief stint at a rehab facility - did great.

I would have this surgery to eventually be pain-free. Being in chronic pain is a personality changer and a risk for other injuries - like falls. But that's me.

The most important thing you can do is thoroughly research your facility & your ortho MD. I always ask people, "What do you call the guy who graduated last in his medical school classes? " The answer, of course, is DOCTOR. But this is NOT the MD you want operating on you. ;)