denpucc I just noticed the "1 more message" marker at the side of my Thread and didn't have a clue what it was, so here I am
How did you fix it to my Thread?
I can quite understand that you are scared at the thought of the surgery and recovery - I was exactly the same, although I have to say that I didn't have much time to think about it as I had a very quick date and worked my socks off to get "my house in order" literally to save on worrying about housework once I'd been "done".
The process of having the surgery is fine; you are well looked after throughout and from my own experience immediately after and for the duration of your hospital stay. What sort of anaesthesia are you having? I had the Spinal Block with sedation and it was the best choice ever. I knew nothing at all about the operation (well, I only have a vague recollection of some hammering, but then the sedation must have been increased!) and the pain relief afterwards was longer lasting than having a General.
I would suggest that once you can get out of bed unassisted, just walk gently and slowly with your frame or sticks to the bathroom and back. For the first couple of days you will probably just do simple exercises on the bed and from a chair and will most likely be catheterised (something else that I dreaded, but knew nothing about apart from the fact that it meant I didn't have to used a potty or be taken to the bathroom!).
The last thing you want to do is feel sorry for yourself when you get home, which is what happened to me
Getting home and dealing with your pain relief, gentle exercises, personal care, healthy eating, drinking and sleeping is your main purpose and don't be concerned about anything else for the first week. I started beating myself up because I didn't feel that I was doing as well as before I came home, but given that you are then in different surroundings and dealing with things like ordinary furniture, visitors, phone calls and other interruptions can be stressful. Give yourself as much rest as your body tells you is needed, have somebody wait on your every need if possible and remind yourself that it is major surgery that won't allow you to heal quickly. You will feel as if you've been in a traffic accident for a little while, so treat it as if that's the case knowing that you will survive and get better with every day
The first week at home was the worst and I never thought I'd feel right again. It is VERY painful, but deal with that by using all the tips on the Forum, most importantly by keeping to a regular pain meds regime.
I can't think of what more to tell you as you've read my Thread and I'm probably repeating myself. Just stay calm, go with the flow and contact any of us on here with what might even seems the most trivial of questions or concerns.
You will be OK and I wish you all the very best for your operation and the recuperation to follow. Chin up and keep smiling.
. I dreaded having one but it was a doddle compared to the thought of having to get in and out of bed for the first 24 hours post op. Ask them again when you are admitted or have you had your pre-op assessment yet? Otherwise, what gazelle7777 has said is true, they will bring a commode to the side of your bed and assist you to transfer. Don't worry about it at this point; everything will happen in good time and the nursing staff will look after your personal needs until you can do so yourself. Take it slowly now .. Breathe!! 
It was great.
It's not the new knee joint that hurts but the stuff that surrounds it which has taken a massive shock.
For now, concentrate on doing everything you want to do before then, knowing that you will have plenty of time to be OK for Christmas.
denpucc You're more than welcome, Denise. Don't be scared, - it's only a limb and you wouldn't be having the surgery if not for the fact that your leg will have a better future 
Keep doing the exercises, but be careful not to overdo.
There are millions a lot worse off than me and I should think myself fortunate, but enduring pain isn't my forte! 
United States
