Rick, pls take some time to read, read, read! For starters, see the
ADR Risks, Complications, Disqualifications topic in Arthroplasty Central. Then review as many post-operative recovery stories in the ADR Post-op Outcome forum. People have shared the good, bad and the ugly of their personal life to help better inform people just like you.
There are no easy answers, so please read. If you can identify with any particular patient stories, private message those members. Most people are caring and will respond to your inquiry (assuming they keep their email services up to date).