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I think what did me in at the beginning was watching YouTube videos of people bragging on walking unassisted after just a few days. I figured I was young and fit at surgery so I'd be one of those folks. Reality check: not gonna happen! It's a slow process on an impatient person. And it's been different every day, some for better, some for worse. It's hard for me to be dependent on assistive devices, medication and a helpful spouse. I am grateful now to have had all those advantages! It's just going to be awhile for recovery and I'm fine with that.
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Adding my 2 cent’s worth: definitely everybody is sooooo different! I was also very fit (though not young), and it took me 4 months (!!!) to get full extension. On the other hand, roughly 125 degrees ROM after about 6 weeks, now about 132 at 6 months. Off walker in 4 days, off cane in another 4 days,, off oxycodone within 8 days. I was so frustrated as well when I saw posts from people who got their knee straight right away - my PT basically told me not to walk for exercise until it had full extension since it would probably lead to hip or back pain. That was really annoying, since I used to walk every morning. Started water exercises and swimming instead. Continued good luck with your recovery!
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@llar You just wrote exactly what I did and how I felt prior to surgery. I was active, fit, and determined. I saw people on YouTube walking without devices and driving within a few weeks PO and thought,"that will be me!" Nope, nope, nope. I'll be 7 weeks PO tomorrow and just now getting on the cane. (I could have transferred a little earlier but because I have Osteoporosis, safety is a factor...) ROM is 0/106 no assist and bend is 112 with self assist. Are you kidding me? I thought I'd be at 120 by now! It's a slow process and I'm beyond frustrated. One therapist tells me to work and push harder, the other therapist tells me to only do my PT 2/day due to my swelling, while the other tells me no, 3/day. I overdo it to push through the pain only to be sore the next day. I don't know.....guess everyone heals differently but all that BS about preconditioning is truly BS because people like you and I show that sometimes, it just doesn't matter. Yes, I'm a little bit of a Debbie downer today but I am so frustrated.