I don't know your age or current activity level, but I was 57 when I had total knee replacement and I was driving at about 3 weeks. Of course you can't drive while you are taking anything stronger than tylenol, but I drove myself to PT after about the third week. It was my right knee and the swelling can be pretty troublesome for the first few weeks. My foot and ankle still were swelling when I went back to work after 12 weeks. I was teaching young children and I had to be on my feet much of the day. I would think that you could sew at the machine for short sessions after maybe the first 4 weeks. Like I said before, the biggest problem for me was the swelling and the need to elevate the foot. I didn't have much pain, but getting comfortable to sleep was a problem. I wanted to get off of the pain meds as soon as possible because I was having GI tract problems when I took the meds. Wishing you the best and hoping that you have great results.