Your outcome from knee replacement surgery depends upon a persons physical shape (obviously the more active person before the surgery he/she shouid have more muscle strength) and of course the Doctor or surgeon selected.
I had 2 knee replacements (2014 and 2015) and honestly pain was not a big issue. Yes I took pain meds but that was really for the physical therapy I would go to 3 times a week plus for my at home exercises. Pt is a necessity..the more you do the faster the recovery. You will hear the PT say you need to reach 120 degree bend in the knee, with time you should be able to reach that goal.
I went to Dr Steve Nguyen in Orlando...cannot say enough about this doctor and if you talk to some PTs in the area, they love to work on his patients. ON Medicare so I spent one day in the hospital, (but he does outpatient knee replacement surgery also) walking with some aid the first night, on the 3rd day walking on my own unaided (no walker). My first PT visit I was already at about 113-114 degrees . Did alot of walking around the block, plus after 2-3 weeks walking in the pool.
Today I could not be happier,playing golf and water volleyball, and walking my hearts content on vacations etc.
Optimotion Orthopaedics