Felix it took a little longer , have you a clear diagnosis of the the type, Lupus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis arthritis?
One Aussie woman World Champion had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and succeeded to world champ level even rolling up to a final and getting out of a wheel chair.
(not sure as a health professional I would advocate that).
If your problem is a specific joint only ( which joint?) and is Osteoarthritis then you are very sensible to avoid a replacement as they do not last as long as the real thing and you would need several or more over your life.
Each operation would involve the risk of infection and complications.
If it is OA then it may be worth seeing Sports medicine doctor and /or Physiotherapist to see if there is a structural or muscle balancing solution to the wear ( osteoarthritis is based on wear) and there may be an orthotic item or a joint brace that will help bring alignment and muscle balance around the joint. That may reduce wear if misalignment is the cause.
Exercise above and beyond that which is designed to restructure around the problem is another way to go.
Please bear in mind I have not actually seen your problem and so I am giving general advice which needs to bee confirmed with a medical practitioner at home. With world class sports institutes for top athletes in Switzerland I would be seeking advice there !
Good luck keep us informed on how you get on!
