I am post op and sold everything I could to fund the surgery had it in end of oct 2013 at spire hull, my joints were caving in ! I was 55 and did not just meet the criteria for nhs funding, it is life changing for me it has been life changing in a very positive way ! it is not an easy ride but I would do it all again tomorrow with no hesitation the positives far out weigh the odd negative bit.
You are doing everything required and it is good to know there is someone close by who understands where I was and am in my journey, very pleased to see your progress x