What was your first 1-2 weeks like post-OP?

[MattFL]

Thanks @catfriend for the link, I will check that out.

It is odd how different the instructions are.  I can't put more than 75% weight for 6 weeks, or drive for 6 weeks, but OK to walk around with crutches, just don't overdo it (very general).  I have to ask them about the driving part because I'm not on pain meds during the day, so it's not clear why not to drive. 

Big discovery, sleep is the secret!  For me the pain hasn't been anything Tylenol can't handle, but it was enough general discomfort to keep me awake.  My wife convinced me to try a pain pill to see if it made sleeping possible.  So I tried 1 before bed and slept 5 hours strait. wow!  So I've done that 3 days in a row now and the improvement after every sleep has been significant.  Appetite is coming back, walks feel good (with crutches), definite progress! 

Did anyone else feel a "smoother" joint after surgery?  I don't remember my natural join feeling rough, but I did notice this new one just feels smoooooth when walking, so maybe the old one was girtty and I was just too accustomed to it to notice?  Anyone else feel similar? 

[MarvinB]

Oh, definitely!  Three and a half years post-op on the right one and it still feels as smooth as a well-oiled bearing!  That was the best thing, getting up in the recovery room to walk and not feeling the click I had since I was a kid.  When I was cleared to ride a bike at 6 months, I couldn’t wait to get on it!  Even though it felt a little weak at first, I was pedaling full-speed within days and grinning from ear to ear!