I too can sympathize with your story. It is exactly the same as my own. I am now nearly 4 weeks post surgery. I have been off the opioids for a week and a half but still have issues with swelling pain and sleeping though all are significantly less than they were during the first few weeks. Getting sleep has been a challenge but I am finally able to sleep on my side as well as on my back. I’m getting more and better sleep each week.

As I’m sure you have heard or read the physical therapy is by far the most important part of your recovery. Do what they say during your sessions and more importantly every day at home. I have learned there is a very fine line at therapy. Do not push yourself to the point that it is painful but do push yourself to where it is uncomfortable. A good therapist should not push you into pain and if that is the case I would recommend switching and finding someone else.

Although my range of motion is not that great yet it has been proved consistently and I have graduated from a walker to a cane and have started driving again. Just these small freedoms bring light at the end of the tunnel. Like you, I also began to wonder why I got the surgery. However I am starting to believe that this will work out well for me in the end.

If you are able I recommend getting out of the house and being with friends or having them over to your house. I feel getting out of the house even just for a car ride and conversation improved my mood immensely. And being able to drive and be slightly independent was a major boost to morale.

This has turned out to be a long journey so far and I am resigned to the fact that it still has a ways to go. Hang in there!! You are literally on the edge of turning the first of many corners on your way to full recovery. Be well.