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I'm 62 years old and have very bad knees from arthritis. I make my living cleaning other people's houses. If I have a knee replacement, will I still be able to get up and down to clean under and behind things? I can't really afford to retire just yet.

You have several things working in your favor: your age and your activity level before surgery. Younger, healthy adults have a much better chance for recovery of motion and strength after joint replacement than older adults.

Pain is relieved after joint replacement, which makes it possible to do your daily activities once again. Strength is reduced in that first month until the muscles around the joint start to recover. The biggest drawback is that it may take you longer to do your work than before the operation.

Getting up and down off the floor may be difficult. There are some devices that can help you. First, a foam pad to support your knee when kneeling will be helpful. Medical supply stores can provide you with long handled dusters and grabbers for those times and places you can't quite reach or bend far enough.

Be sure and tell your surgeon about your situation. The type of implant and method for putting it in can make a difference. Expect to take at least a month off from heavy cleaning. Depending on your results and recovery, you may be back to light housekeeping after two weeks.

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