Hi @healthtalk
I share your frustration. I've posted this exact opinion. Following the surgery you are on your own. The surgeon does his/her thing with a procedure that they are taught, followed by PT with therapist practicing what they are taught and all differ to some degree, to the varied meds prescribed. I think that's why this forum is popular, i.e., somewhere where patients can express their feelings. In my case I've had three TKR surgeries over seven years, one being a revision, and endured all the recovery pain as described by other in this forum.
The day before my first surgery back in 2018 I finished up completing building a deck on my house by cleaning up and putting away ladders. Today the pain is worse and I walk with a bad limp. I wouldn't dare leave the house without my cane.