My Bum Knee

My right knee has been bothering me for a while now so I finally took the time to go have it checked out.  After letting it rest and four weeks of physical therapy I was not feeling any better. That led my doc to order some tests.  He gave me the result on Monday morning and I was not happy with the news - I have some cartilage loss which is causing the pain.

First off this news made me feel crazy old.  Second there is no real "fix". Third I have to say good-bye to my beloved StairMaster.  I know that it is not the end of the world and I can totally live with the pain as it is now. But it's a triple bummer if you ask me!

So now I am on the hunt for an elliptical that will stand up to many work-outs per week yet not break the bank.  I dare to dream that it is possible.  Do any of you have any suggestions?