FtrNrs2012

I am in nursing school and I will be graduating with my RN in May. I have been having severe pain and swelling in my knees for many years. Since I have started working at the hospital as a tech, the pain has become unbearable. I had an MRI done. The MRI revealed torn meniscus, cysts, joint effusion, and joint space narrowing in both knees. I am waiting to see the orthopedic specialist which could take several weeks. In the mean time, I have pain that shoots from my knee all the way up to my back and down to my feet. I only have 51 days until graduation so I refuse to give up after coming so far. I am thinking I will probably need surgery done. My fears are starting a new job as an RN and then having to have surgery. And also how much pain I will be in afterwards when I go back to work. And worst of all, I have practicum next month which will require me to work four 12-hours shifts each week, and I work one shift each week as well. Has anyone been in a similar situation or does anyone have any advice about this? Thanks so much!