@luvkitties, You didn't mention anything about your exercise program or PT after surgery. Our muscles especially after the trauma of surgery will start to shutdown and atrophy. 2 hours after surgery I was up and walked, although very slowly 20', out and back with a walker on day 1, then added another 20' to the distance on day 2, and within a couple of weeks I was using a cane, mostly for balance if needed, doing about a mile a day. I read somewhere that the top portion of our calf muscles acts like tiny pumps forcing blood back to the heart, a secondary benefit from walking. The right diet including plenty of protein is also beneficial to rebuilding muscle mass and the exercising releases endorphins helping improve your mental health. Lastly, as I've mentioned to others, give your self some time and the permission to be a little less capable in those tasks we've been doing in the past and live each day to the fullest. I'm 3 years out from my surgery and from time to time I feel a little less discomfort or a little more stronger is some way. My Marine Corps days taught me a very valuable lesson, we humans are very good at adapting and concurring those challenges that are before us.