Should I have a knee replacement? see details.?

I was in a bad car accident when I was 13. I have had numerous operations to repair damage, one of which was done incorrectly and has given me pain for the last 17 years. I have been on narcotics on and off for 17 years ( I suffer from migranes as well from an anestesia reaction) My doctor (whom I do trust, I've been seeing him for about 12 years) reccomends a full knee replacement, but I'm afraid to go through with it. Had I done it when they first reccomended it I'd be on my 3rd replacement. now they have knee replacements designed for women, and they last 15-20 years on average. How do I get over this fear of surgery? I really would like to be nearly pain free for some of my adult life, but I recently had my Gall Bladder removed and had to be sedated before I was brought into the surgery center, I was having massive panic attacks. I've even seen a psychiatrist. Any suggestions? Is the replacement surgery and recovery a good or bad experience?

The basis for the decision on knee replacement is on two factors - the anatomy of the knee and the level of existing function.
There are people with a lot of wear and tear on the cartilage who don't have problems with pain or mobility - though the anatomy would say they need surgery, their level of function is good and pain isn't a problem - no surgery necessary.
Get an opinion from an Orthopedic Surgeon, and a second opinion doesn't hurt either.
The important thing is to be an active participant in the rehab they give you after the knee replacement for the best outcome.
The question about the anxiety is a different matter. Lots of people do better with sedatives prior to surgery. But if the panic attacks are showing up in other parts of your life, you need to work with your Psychiatrist on getting it under control.