Don’t put the knee replacement off any longer. Just get it done. It is life changing (positive). Ask virtually anyone who has ever had it done about the process and every single one will tell you their only regret was waiting so long to do it, ask me how I know. It changes everything, you do not even realize the pain you are walking around with. And let’s talk about quality of sleep, man what a difference. You ever want the gritty details and some very non professional advice on it send me a PM. As a life long hockey player and veteran of five knee surgeries including total replacement I have learned some things about it. We are roughly same age as well. With your mind set and overall personality traits you are a great candidate for it. The rehab is not easy but very worth it.