One of the carpenters who's been working on the kids' house is having his 2nd knee replaced this morning.  (He and I grew up neighbors.)  He did the first one last winter.....maybe 7 mos ago, I'm not positive on date.  He's 54 years of age, and has always worked as a carpenter.  He got along great with the first replacement, and couldn't wait to get this 2nd one done and get on with life.   He didn't miss a lot of work after the 1st surgery; doubt that he'll be off very long this time either.  Good luck!