Good evening Persia. You are really being challenged with the stairs in your home. I understand. Are you still in the hospital tonight? I see your post was created 13 hours ago which was early morning. Since you are already in the hospital, have you talked with your surgeon? Is there a physical therapy area where you are or close by?

I have had two TKRs. For the first one 10 years ago, I was fortunate to have an elevator in my home so the 16 steps up to the front door was not a problem. I was 71 then and lived in a small village at the top of the mountains. I remember that the increased altitude of 6,000 feet made a difference. My PT was also my trust attorney. (Many of the residents had multiple specialties.)
As I recall....it was more difficult to walk up a slope than climb up the stairs. I also remember that my surgeon told me that walking uphill was not as hard on your TKR knee as going downhill. There is greater pressure on your knee. He estimated my TKR would only last about 5 years if I chose to walk downhill excessively.

My second TKR was entirely different. I was 80 years old this time and yet it was much easier to get around post-surgery. There were 3 factors which made it different.
1. I was only in the surgery center for 3 hours. And, the surgery was a robotic procedure with much less damage to surrounding tissues.
2. I began PT within 24 hours in combination with MFR (myofascial release therapy) to alleviate any pain and discomfort. Have you talked with your surgeon about post-surgery treatments? I continued the PT for three weeks and met most if not all of the goals that had been established. Completing the sit-to-stand exercises was my greatest challenge.
3. The stairs were also a challenge. However, my PT taught me how to manage the range of motion issues. My insurance also funded a walker which I used just to walk around the house or outside.
4. I also purchased a cane which came in handy at times. Be careful that you don't offset your stance because you are favoring only one side.
5. You are wondering how long this will take. That is really up to you and your therapists. I am very pleased with the quality of my treatment and my knee's positive response.

What have I left out? If questions arise as your recovery begins please send them along to Connect. I will be waiting for you to check-in.

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris