I've been basically low/no pain since two weeks this time, which is a rarity. But I had to be as I can't safely take narcotic pain relievers, so don't know what we would have done if my pain hadn't miraculously abated on day 14. And I'm not joking when using the word "miraculously". I've had a ton of surgeries, and never have I been so comfortable as early as I am this time. I've been clear headed and awake since the first day as they had to use alternative pain relief for me since the beginning. I was able pay bills a week and a day after the revision, which was a surprise, as we thought hubby may have needed to do it this month. But, it takes me maybe 5 minutes as we only have like 6 or 7 recurring monthly expenses to pay, like water, trash, electricity, etc, and I pay them through our bank, so I was able to manage it. (I even thought about just paying them all before my surgery since I knew my brain might be too fuzzy, but there were a couple that weren't available yet, therefore I didn't know what the amounts were, so decided to just wait)
I said all that to explain the following...... I would still not be able to work consistently at four weeks, even at home and even on my computer. I am able to post here, and read my email, surf, etc. But I don't have the energy to really concentrate and perform any serious tasks. Even when writing posts here I take more time than usual to write them as I need to stop and find the words I'm looking for constantly. Then I go back and re-read them before posting to correct the mistakes. I usually make few mistakes when posting, but am finding and correcting a lot of them now. I also have my computer next to me on my bed as there's absolutely no way I can sit at my desk yet, even if I were to elevate my knee. I am able to sit in a chair for maybe five minutes, but my knee complains and swells and then the pain starts, so I'm not ready for that yet. Even walking around causes swelling, so I have to limit it as I have no way to alleviate any pain once it starts. I sat outside on my deck for a while when I had family here on the 4th of July, and I had my knee elevated. But, I was in a chair that I could comfortably recline in and we fussed with elevating until my knee was comfortable. Everyone waited on me and all I did was visit. Even with all that, I was exhausted afterwards and paid for that enjoyment.
Most people are still in a great deal of pain for at least a month, and many for a lot longer. That requires a regular schedule of pain meds, which makes one quite foggy at best and illiterate at worst. It is nearly impossible to put regular thoughts together when on opioids, and much of the time you'll just want to sleep. Add to that the energy drain from this surgery where all your energy is heading to your knee to heal it, and you will find this surgery has (temporarily) stolen your brain. If I were you, I would plan for a long and difficult recovery, then be pleasantly surprised if you have an easier time of it. That way your bases are covered and you won't have to stress about working before you're fully ready, but if you are able to manage sooner than planned, yay!