My 1st replacement I was knocked out.
The 2nd one I had a spinal - awake but loopy. I could hear the saws and other construction tools. Was laughing and asked to see my new knee before they installed it.
Recovery is a process. You need to do the physical therapy.
But I have never regretted going thru it twice. No pain.
It’s good to hear encouraging words RE knee operations. I will probably eventually do it.
I do have to say...in the knee replacement videos I watched, there were a number of jigs used to stabilize the cutting and sawing. The docs weren’t just “freehanding” it. That’s s good thing! LOL.
I’m expecting mine within a month. Have initial visit next week. Left knee hurts all the time & can hardly walk. EXCITED!