kathcasc - I am now 56 years old and had a total knee replacement in December 2009. Rehab was definitely extremely painful, and I did not get my full range of motion back, dispite going to rehab long after my insurance stopped paying for it. However, I am back water skiing on one ski, playing doubles tennis (wearing a brace just to help extend the life of the new knee) and snow skiing in Colorado. I went to Colorado January of 2011 and 2012, and was able to ski 4-5 days straight with no pain and no brace. My daily activities are not compromised unless I'm getting out of a car that is low to the ground. My knee doesn't bend enough, so I have to scoot a little sideways. The total knee replacement was not a choice for me, as I was in too much daily pain to go on at all. Now, I'm pain free and only slightly inconvenienced occassionally when the knee won't bend enough, but it has allowed me to get back to all my sports and everyday activities. I, too, have a terrible time coming out of anesthesia. Talk to your anesthesiologist. There are drugs they can add to the anesthesia to help you come out of it more quickly. They work well. Good Luck!View Thread