Deckman:

I know it feels like you life is on hold but...keep doing that physio!

I stuggled with a "trick knee" for 20 years. It would pop out of the joint and it was excruciating pain until I could pop it back in again.
Once I had it back in position, I had no pain at all. Then one day, I couldn't get it back in place.

They performed emergency, laser surgery. I had torn the miniscus deeply on both sides. I was back to work (on crutches) in a week and without crutches in six weeks. 6 months of physio and I had achieved 98% mobility.

After all was said and done - it was worth it! I no longer "favour" the knee and my confidence has returned. At our age, its wonderful to know that you can still heal.

Good luck to you. Just bite the bullet and do those exercises!