You left out several important things a patient has to do before having a TKA! #1) Find the best surgeon you can find. I find the top ranked hospitals in orthopedic surgery, going to health.usnews.com, then find a surgeon whose training (including 'clinical fellowships') are at one of the top (4-5) hospitals in the U.S. #2) If you have a multilevel house, buy a walker for each level. #3) Have the hospital give you a cryo tank for icing your knee., #4) Do the PT exercises religiously. They're very painful, but necessary unless you want to end up with a tight knee. #5) You don't need to have general anesthesia. A femoral nerve block and a spinal block is sufficient, though you have to expect some hammering and pushing as the surgeon puts the prosthesis in place. The femoral nerve block will last about (24-48) hours. #6) Make certain the surgeon's office sends in an order to the VNA and talk to the VNA yourself to ensure they'll show up the day after the surgery. Have the VNA physicial therapist come every day for exercises post-op. They'll continue to come for PT until you can get into a car & drive. When getting into a car, pull the car seat as far back as you can before you try to get in. #7) I have a 3-level condo and have stair railings on both sides of the stairs and hand rails in the tub. #8) If you live alone and have no one to support you, put sufficient food in the freezer and drinks on hand to last about (3) weeks. #9) Keep the walker in your bedroom level right next to your bed and keep a hall light turned on all night, so that when you get up at night to go to the bathroom, you'll be safe. I've had total knee replacements in both knees & I'm 75 years old, live alone and have no support system or family.