@Smythe89, I’m a fellow PKR (left lateral on April 16) so I’m roughly 4 weeks / a month further along than you. I’ll share some of my experiences relevant to your questions to give you some perspective to your own case.
I took the prescribed narcotic pain killer (OxyContin) as directed from the day of surgery until just a few days before my first post-op follow up at two weeks. It really helped with overall pain and sleep. At my follow up I asked to have the meds changed to something less strong and addictive. Was put on Norco which may have been a mistake as it doesn’t seem to be as effective. Regardless, I’ve been on only OTC pain management for the past three weeks (I’m at 6 weeks right now). I never had pain along the outside of my knee which is the side replaced. All of my pain has been associated with the soft tissues along the inside of my knee, just to the right of my knee cap. At first it didn’t make sense cause it’s opposite the side replaced, but given where the incision is and moving of the knee cap, etc I can understand why. Overall my pain level is normally down to a 2 or 3 but there is one area that flairs up when I over do things and feels like a sharp intense pinch which makes stepping down stairs very difficult. Although my next scheduled follow up with my OS wasn’t until late July, I decided to get a visit next week to have him check that area of concern. I will be on travel the last 3 weeks of June and want to make sure no issues.
I’ve always loved icing for its effect on pain and swelling. But I also found my knee felt stiff (frozen) following icing if I got up right away. I found my knee felt very flexible following a nice hot shower. I think it’s due to the heat helping to loosen the ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
I didn’t start PT until 3 weeks after surgery. No pushing or forcing on the knee. Only had PT for 4 weeks (tomorrow is my last session). My ROM has been 0-120 for the past two weeks (some measurements down to 113 if measured after exercise due to minor swelling). My PT says my progress at 6 weeks is where he sees most patients at 12 weeks. He credits my surgeon, says he’s one of the best.
My biggest issue has been lack of sleep but that seems to be a common issue for most. Last good nights sleep was about 4 weeks ago.
Number one lesson is to listen to your knee! Your head will say “I feel great and can go do whatever “. Your knee will definitely let you know when that is not true. Definitely like little toddlers who throw tantrums when they don’t like something.
Good luck! Ask questions whenever you are unsure of something or even just want to vent.
my OS doesn’t have any!
so onward I go. I noticed this morning that I am pain free while ambulating. I haven’t had that happen for over a year. So, a huge thank you again for all your positive responses.
United States
I drove for the first time today. Getting in went well, getting the right leg out...not a pretty picture
my skin feels the same way yours does. It’s so tight and I just can’t bend it anymore than that allows. It’s such an odd feeling almost like a rubber band around the knee. Sigh...it has gotten better and will continue to do so. 
Cheers
and that was just crazy! Now I am trying to get both legs out but I seem to be doing something odd with my right foot to get it past the door. Whatever I’m doing it reminds me of the fact that I just had a PKR. Ouch! Also, normally I toggle between gas and break rather than lifting my whole foot. That isn’t fun either
