In 2002, I had both knees replaced, 5 months apart. Needed it done several years before, docs used to tell me wait til I am 60 but at 55 I was in a wheelchair most of the time and in fierce pain. Have had fibromyalgia for 16 years, as many of you know, the pain just explodes and is magnified. I had two weeks of home PT, the pain was overwhelming but I do not give up. Then 3 months of PT at a sports rehab, they had a water tank for exercize and bending, that helped so much. I had to use a cane for the next 3 years as the pain was still horrible.
All of a sudden the pain stopped and I do about anything I want except kneel or run. I have 130 degree flexion in one knee and 135 in the other. I only tell you about my slow progress and pain to let you know that even in cases where it takes a while, the end result is wonderful. Most people I know personally have much less pain, less rehab and don't use a cane for long.
It was so worth it. I was sewing at 3 weeks, distraction is a great pain reliever. I also drove at 3 weeks, by then knew just how the pain pills affected me.
Having your machine set up and projects ready to go as someone else suggested is a good plan. My machine was upstairs and up I went, stairs are good therapy, go slow, I had to do the two feet on each step for a long time and it got better each few days.
Come back and let us know how you are doing. You will have a lot of cheerleaders here, many who have the experience.