Lower backpain and knee pain together

I am in need of a complete knee replacement on my right knee and I have severe disc degeneration with stenosis in my lower back.  I have not been able to take time to have surgery on either as I have a job that does not have sick leave although they furnish insurance through BlueShield/BlueCross.  I have had at least 6 epidural shots in my back and also nerve blocks in the 4 facet joints in my back at a Medtronic Pain Center.  Neither have helped in any way.  I also have had steriod injections in my knee which were a great help when I first started having them but at this stage they are no longer any help.  My question is if I have any kind of surgery would it be best to have the knee surgery first, which I fully expect to do when I retire in October of this year.  I really don't think I will have any kind of back surgery because the thought of it scare me.  I am very disabled with pain but force myself to keep up the best pace I can working 5 days 8 hours.  I am 80 years old but healthy in almost every other way.  I live alone and do not want to be a burden to my only daughter who lives 30 miles away.  But, I have got to have some relief from the pain I am suffering.  One Orthopedist told me I would be chair bound in a year.  That was 5 years ago.  I am taking 500mg , Hydrocodone/acte and when I cannot stand the pain I add Ibuprophen four times a day.  I know, I know I shouldn't mix up my meds.,  but darn it I am in pain and my doctor will not increase the hydrochodone mgs.   I cannot say the meds help the pain and if so just enough to be able to function but still in bad pain.  My job is a sit down job so that is a help.  Thanks, oldfeeble

[cat9841]

I have had BOTH knees replaced and last dec a spinal fusion. there is a wonderful board:
onourfeet.com where you can read and talk to others about the knees, hips or whatever although its mostly knees. there you will find a LOT of insight, and help with how to deal with this. its a long road, but at the other end you will be so glad you did it. I'm still geting over my spinal fusion but the knees are wonderful.
good luck and God bless you
CAT