Good evening @flaredhead, I see you are a new member and I want to make sure you are welcomed appropriately. So congratulations on that new knee. You seem to feel like your pain is due to the intense PT. With just 10 weeks in recovery, you are doing well. Please remember that pain of any source and at any level can be exhausting. Why do I know so much about pain? Well, I have had at least 14 orthopedic surgeries and a few years ago developed SFN (small fiber neuropathy). It has been a long time since I have had a day without pain. This morning I played Mahjongg with my friends for a couple of hours. I was exhausted by the time I got home and actually just woke up a few minutes ago......feeling better and in less pain.

You have the answers.......patience and modest tolerance. On Tuesdays I have an hour of stretchy yoga........in the morning, followed by a resting, rebuilding nap. Oh.....and you didn't mention your age. I am 80 and have noticed that exhaustion arrives more rapidly at this age.

Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Very, very helpful.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Sounds like my experience. you don't have a choice if you want a functional knee but to hit the PT hard the first 4 or 5 weeks. That establishes flexion (bending your knee) and extension (locking your knee so the leg is straight).

After that you can focus on strengthening the quad. All of the work is necessary, hurts a bit, and keeps the swelling - so you have to ice and elevate.

And then, as you describe, daily activities become hard. I can't get down on my knees to et my cat from under the bed. She's happy!

It is annoying to be unable to do why I want to do! Im sure we’ll have more energy in time.
The sooner the better.