While hiking, or when I am in a crowd, I've found I must have a cane for balance, as well as to keep from being accidentally tripped. I always have my "stick" when I fly, and am able to take advantage of early plane boarding to avoid crowds and lines. I always carry two smaller wallets (no purse) and keep them in two separate places for security reasons. One of these is more readily available with all of my artificial joint ID cards, passport, driver's license and cash in the event that I need to tip someone.
Wheelchair assistance at the airport can be wonderful. Be sure to request it when you purchase your tickets and remind the agent as you pick up your boarding pass. It is also helpful if you mention this toward the end of your flight to your cabin staff who are usually wonderful about double-checking for you. (I didn't remind on a recent flight and ended up having to trudge to a different concourse -- I almost missed my connecting flight!) The wheelchair service is very much worth a generous tip, where the "drivers" always carry radios so they are up-to-date with the most recent gate changes and flight information. When traveling internationally, this service can be used to expedite those long lines through passport control, etc.
Although most airlines now offer curbside check-in and baggage service, they are now charging a minimum of $25 per bag and most require "plastic" and won't accept cash. On a recent flight across the US, it was chilly in the cabin and I requested a blanket only to find that American Airlines no longer loans out blankets and pillows. These items must be purchased (again with plastic). I decided I'd rather be cold! I use to always make my own flight arrangements, but found I can save a lot by using my AAA agent. On my most recent trip, I was able to save over $200 (almost half of my ticket cost) by driving to a different airport nearby.
Although it's only been about 10 weeks since my most recent osteoarthritis surgery (total knee replacement), I happily discovered that my friend and I were able to take a long hike (A VERY LONG HIKE) over pebbled paths and huge sand dunes to observe a large herd of elephant seals on a local beach. Neither of us broke any land speed records (that's NOT the point), and we will probably not be awarded any medals for our dune climbing expertise and bravery - but we did it! We hiked those long paths and intimidating dunes in spite of both of us having a variety of artificial joints!
Because of my "history" with joint replacements (I've now had nine surgeries for OA), I am fully aware that proper and consistent exercise and physical therapy are both essential post-op. (In fact, I have now heard that some surgeons are also giving pre-op exercise programs!) In general, the people I know who haven't had success with their joint replacement surgeries, are those who refuse to do the work necessary. I value my adventurous life today too much to be a victim of my OA or my laziness. (By the way, I knowmuch of the PT and exercises are painful initially, but I refuse to just sit down and give up.)
