Hi twin! I have 2 new knees. I am around 12 weeks post op on no2.
Knowing what's ahead is good in that you can plan well as you know whats needed. Then of course there is anxiety regarding the challenge of the post op period.
With knee no 1 I did everything by the conventional books. My knee was a swollen, miserable mess.
With knee no 2 I followed Bonesmart philosophy. The difference was profound.
I rested for 2 weeks post op, elevated, compressed and used ice. I was amazed at how good it was. Yes a challenge still but not the OMG why did I do this from my previous experience. I was able to return to work at 3 weeks post op and have had no problems since.
Things that helped me:
A powered recliner
A cheap eg lifter
Lounge doctor pillow (but only needed it for the first week)
Game Ready (ice and compression machine which I hired).
I iced my knee far more than with knee no 1. That and rest were the difference (well I think that but how can you know).
My knee feels normal and has done from about week 2 post op.
So dont worry. Make your plan. Use the experiences on this site to help you decide what's best for you.
Its a huge leap of faith to ignore standard practice of PT. I figured that resting for 2 weeks would be the minimum rest that would be expected if you had a fracture or other surgery. So was comfortable doing this. Good luck. Soon the pain and disability will become rest, rehab and back to planning a normal life.