Most of what you say here is true Rick. I'm sure my replaced knees don't feel as good as my originals. For one thing, I can't run anymore and I was a marathoner. As far as pain though, that is as good as I ever remember, meaning I don't have any. I've also had osteoarthritis all my life, so don't remember a time in the last 20 or 30 years when any of my joints felt good as new.

Surgeons who don't offer a follow up schedule - scheduled appointments - should be avoided completely. It's hard to believe there are surgeons who would do this. So if you run into one of the exceptions, find another surgeon. And that applies for any surgery. No such thing as "minor" surgery.

As far as scarring, it's very hard to tell where my incision was made. Whoever closed the incision did a damn good job on me.

As far as recovery, consider what the worst could be, and then work for the best. Every case is different. I hired a trainer to get the muscles around my knee strong before surgery. And then I did all the rehab exercises. I'd say I was fully recovered - no pain (even on stairs), no swelling by 2-3 months. I had both knees replaced four months apart. That's about the best recovery to be hoped for. Realistically, it's gonna take longer for most, and yes, up to a year is possible. And even in my case, I waited a year before really pushing my legs. TKRs are common, but it's still a major, traumatic procedure. That has to be honored. Recovery is very possible, just not very easy so be prepared to work.

And sadly, most people (I think) will have some clicking sound. I've never had that, and again, I'm a gym rat and always have been, so my legs are strong. I think people mostly adjust to the sound. What should NOT be present is pain and swelling. Follow the instructions and the post-op pain and swelling will go away.

Anyway Rick, thanks for your "reality check". It makes me grateful for the results I achieved. And for people considering TKR, you can avoid a lot of the worst outcomes by simply doing the work.

Finally, please research surgeons and get two opinions. Go with the Dr you truly believe is committed to you and will be there as you recover. Expect and demand nothing less.