Month 11 update
Wow, time sure flies! Thought that I would share my progress so far. I actually 'forget' sometimes that I have my knee replaced ... that's saying a lot since it's always felt so very foreign and 'heavy' compared to my other knee! There's no pain, just that odd sort of feeling and the fact that it's straighter than the other leg.
I never thought that the hardest part to all this was going to be how my back reacted to the surgery and straightening of my knee. Quite frankly it was the hardest part to deal with. Between the pinched sciatic nerve and the overall tiredness/soreness of my lower back it was a difficult first 9 months. Its only been since the last two months that I'm finally seeing some progress on my back thanks to an awesome personal trainer who is helping me to stand up straight and not stoop when I walk or sit and strengthening it so that day by day it's getting stronger and less painful.
I don't regret getting this done, there was really no choice in the matter and I'm basically pain free for the first time in many years so I'm grateful. Even my other knee is behaving itself for now so I'm enjoying life right now!
I hope my fellow bone smarties are all doing well, I'm rooting for you all!