@newkneesNH As you transition from a walker to crutches to a cane (if necessary) there is a time where you may feel a little weak and uncomfortable. While it is OK to experiment a little bit, I f would not transition from one to another until I felt strong enough to do so.
You also need to consider you gait, too---make sure that your gait is clean and proper---and using the correct aid can be a big benefit to that, too---abandoning one to get to the next one a little early may hinder your progress with your gait. You should use a cane until you feel comfortable enough to go without one---and when your gait with both legs is strong enough and normal to sustain your walking.
nd when do bilaterals no longer need an elevated toilet seat or raised furniture. I can sit at our dining table the seats are normal.
I would say that you need an elevated toilet seat (a throne) if you still cannot bend your knee in a manner that will allow you to be comfortable and to allow you to get up from the seat itself.
and I am not ready to sit on our low couch yet. Is this all normal?
All of this is normal---you are transitioning from one stage to another--but there is some "grey area" in between.
If you cannot sit on the lower couch yet---then you may sit on some pillows on that couch or choose to sit elsewhere until you feel comfortable.
I need to start looking for part time work soon - administrative/desk work and wonder how long I should wait.
While everybody recovers on their own pace and at their own schedule, Bonesmart does recommend a twelve week, phased-in return to work. Some, due to sick days and time off, have to return sooner, but you may still need to rest, ice, and elevate during or after work. (I know that I did.)
I hear about how tired people get when they go back to work, but eventually I need to do this in the near future. thank you for your advice.
I honestly went back to the classroom too soon---at eight weeks. I was exhausted and stiff and sore at the end of the day. I iced and elevated at night and during my planning period and lunch periods---and on Sundays, after church, I did absolutely nothing but ice, elevate, and rest.
You know your finances best and what you need to do for that---but you also know best as to how your BTKR is affecting the rest of your body. Understand that you may be a little (a lot) stiff and sore in the early days of returning to work.
United States
. PT comes tomorrow so I know I'll go over the whole regimin then.
. Kind of like the hospital serving unhealthy food.
But the surgeon was excellent! Top priority
and my PT has been great. Second priority. 
