OP: I had a hysterectomy about 40 yrs ago and this left me with years of sciatic nerve damage....I still have it, not as bad over 40 yrs now, and the damage from hip replacement.

In my 80some yrs the most damage I've countered has been from big surgeries....2 of them....and also a knee clean out about 5 yrs ago which also left my knee messed up.

Some people have higher pain thresholds and I believe that is me. I don't strive for pain free....I'm happy wth pain management.