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I had the total knee done this past December. I was up and walking the same day and spent 3 days in the hospital. Rehab at home started within a week, then I had rehab 3 times a week at the hospital. I used the heavy duty pain meds for 7 days then went to Tylenol. I had a walker for a while and a cane. I only used them for a short while.
I had an ice/water pump that pumped cold water into a sleeve that velcroed around the knee an hour on and an hour off througn the day for the first few weeks and all night and that really kept the swelling down (important). Most of the time you keep the leg elevated (and at night)
We have 16 steps to the 2nd floor and after about 2 weeks I was negotiating them fairly easily, one step at a time - you practice this at rehab. Also, a lot of stretching and massaging to keep the adhesions from growing in there and to gain flexibility. The rehab and doing the execises is key to recovery.
The doc told me no golf for 6 months (golf torques the knee with the twisting motions and places stress on the whole thing) He told me if repair is needed it is positively medieval so that got my attention. No skiing ever.
Insurance is helpful as the operation, hospital, doctors, etc was major bucks. i saw the bill. It is shocking and would bankrupt most people.
i am doing very well and walking, etc without pain or a limp. I am fortunate to have a great wife, and a great medical team.
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