So I thought I would answer some of the questions you have been asking me. The likely-hood is someone also wants to know the answer.
Was the operation worth it?
YES! YES! X1000 YES!
I can't sugarcoat it and say it will be easy, it won't, but it will be worth it. I have cried, had tantrums and then cried a bit more, mainly about having to have the replacement but the most exciting thing is, I am over the hard bit. No longer am I on a helta-skelta spiral down into more pain and restriction. Instead I am ¼ of the way up a long set of stairs leading towards no pain and no limitations. There is still a long way still to go, but there is also a long path behind me.