Knee replacement will vary with the person. I had one knee done and was off my feet for about 2 months and walking with a cane for several months after that because osteoarthritis was involved. Many people have both knees done at the same time, no time between. A man in my husband's fishing club had his done and was back at his desk in two weeks, but he is, I think, a phenomenon. Factors that make a difference are age, osteoarthritic involvement, patient's ability to tolerate pain and medication, rehab therapy, and, of course, the quality of the surgeon and hospital. You can easily find reasons for your character to be out for longer.
Reasons for delay would include surgeon's schedule, necessity for building up blood and giving blood for use if necessary. The same is true for heart surgery. I've had a valve replaced, and that isn't necessarily an emergency.
I won't go into all the other surgeries I've had,
but these two I think will help.
Jude
