I agree with all the above... the overall situation is the only way to "survive life" at this stage, is for the surgery to be done... all have risks... but, if you are anything like me, right now I cannot do anything! I feel like a total BLOB, and with my arthritis, can't do a thing...seriously... so this is the only thing that will help me... and tho I am scared a bit of the surgery, I know the overall benefit is SO worth it!