what kind of brace do you use? how do I get off the couch and back in life?

[Guest guest]

When I was 30, I was told I had " crappy " knees and if I never ran or

did aerobics again, I might be able to avoid an operation. Many

doctors later, I'm 43, I've been wearing Breg PTO braces for 12 hours

a day about 3 years, and Cho Pats for just laying around the house. I

even sleep in the Cho Pats. I've gotten fat, out of shape and lazy. I

just checked out a stack of knee books to read and am going to try to

see what I can do to help myself, because all I'm getting for medical

advice is lose a little weight and try a little exercise, possibly

swimming. The fact is, I'm afraid of water, and my doc doesn't care

about that.

How do I get myself off the couch? Would a different brace help?

What's popular? What's good/not so good? I'm also wearing orthodics.

Marie