Hi Bruce. This is Susan, Don's wife, posting under his ID. I know Don has mentioned that I had knee replacement surgery on both knees, one in January and the other in August, so I know the pain you're feeling. Those staples look really painful. I actually had regular stitches on my first knee, and the one done in August was stitched underneath with disposable stitches with the incision itself being glued shut. Anyway, the reason I'm posting is to tell you about a website that I found so helpful after my first surgery. It is named Bone Smart. There are lots of people, including professionals who can give you very good advice on exercise, icing, and other things you will face, and they can pick you up, when you're feeling down. And believe me, from experience, you will have times when you wonder if you made the right decision. Anyway, here is a link to the website: http://bonesmart.org/forum/view/knee-replacement-recovery-area.9/
The best of luck on a fast recovery so you can be back on the links in no time.