The first time I noticed something wrong with my left knee was while climbing some railway stairs at age 51. I was quasi an attack!  I could hardly move the left knee and it was very painful. So, I just stay put on the steps, pretending I was waiting for someone. At first I feared it would be a permanent thing, yet after a short while it disappeared as fast as it came. What a shocking experience!
Since then (14 years later) I get a bit of this kind of pains in my left knee only occasionally. My right knee has non-of these problems.
My brother (in Germany) had the same problem with his left knee. His doctor advised him to have an operation and now he is unable to run, while I (albeit older) still can jump and run like a gazelle.
That's why my rule is: [u]Only agree to an operation if it's for the purpose to save
your life[/u], because every operation is risky... you never know; here someone died during a simple operation, just because the oxygen bottle was empty and they didn't notice it!  My aunt suffered from backpain too and a doctor recommended her to have an column injection, which went wrong and she had to live ('exist') the rest of her life (only 46 years) paralyzed in a wheelchair. So, I learnt a lesson or two... and trust you, too! 
Beside... a bit of religion helps, too: Help yourself so helps you God!  >>>
I build myself a tiny electric blanket, measuring only about 35x40 cm from the heating element of an old electric blanket. I place it over my knees to warm them on cold winter days while sitting for hours on my PC. It really helps and is a much better alternative to water bottles, costing only 25W/PH. A serial diode and a switch allows me to half the heat.
Anyone wanting instruction on how to build one, don’t hesitate to contact me. I love to help...

Last edited by jjjj (2007-03-29 10:28:24)