I’m sorry about your new knee pain. I’m sure it feels very frustrating. I’ve gotten the impression that once we have OA in our hip and/or knee, we can pretty much assume it is in both our hips and knees to one degree or another. I don’t mean that as a negative but more of a statement. When I went for my 1 yr final OS appt, I asked if they could X-ray my knees as well while I was there. The PA told me she could about guarantee you I had arthritis in both knees as well as my other hip. She was right about the knees and I didn’t get an X-ray of the other hip. Both knees showed OA and one was bone on bone already but wasn’t bothering my other than the stiffness thank goodness.
I know you will work your way through all this. I definitely think you should plan to go on your trip. Once there, you can decide which activities you want to participate in. Setting up the wheelchair to take you through the airport is a great idea. Then once you need to walk, just take your time and enjoy yourself. Try to focus on the bright side of things - that this is all temporary and then you will totally have your life back. It’s not that you will be in pain for the rest of your life. If all these cousins are in their 70’s and 80’s, they will truly understand and I’m sure they each have a health issue or two of their own even if they haven’t mentioned it and definitely have some aches and pains here and there. By the time you go, you will have found the right mix of meds and you can even take an ice pack or two with you. Have a great time!!!