It's a hormone that goes to the joints and lubricates them so instead of the cartlidge bunching up when you move your leg, (this causes the pain you feel) it lays flat as was intended. The surgury can be painfull in the recovery stages. I do Tai Chi for some of the normal aches and pains associated with growing long in the tooth. :) It is a lot less intrusive and a whole lot less painfull. I have kept limber for a good number of years after the doctors told me I needed knee surgury. I don't feel much pain but then I got into a job where I am not on my feet anymore like I used to be also. :) Perhaps a career change might be in order? Publix is a fine employer so perhaps you could look into a change of positions in the company where you don't aggrivate your knee. Just some suggestions hon. Good luck with it no matter what you decide. I do recommend that if you elect to have surgury then get a video on Tai Chi and learn it. It will help vastly with the success of recovery and won't aggrivate the healing processes. If you have any questions about it please contact me. :)