Different Instructions Post-op

I had the same surgery on November 2, 2016 as I did on June 12, 2013.  I assumed that my post-op instructions would be the same.  I was wrong.  They were completely different.  I wasn't sure if it was because of the entry points.  The November surgery had 2 incisions while the June surgery had 3.  I had 3 areas with PVNS that was removed in November.  Can't comment on June's as the surgeon was not very informative and only told me about one area that I had already known about.   Another immediate difference was that in June I was sent home with a drainage tube that was removed a day or 2 after the surgery.  November, no tube.  And a lot of bruising up and down my leg because there is nowhere for the blood to go.  I would rather have had the tube.  The next difference was shocking not only to myself but others who had similar instructions as my post-op in June.  To move and bend the knee and walk on it as soon as possible.  In November I was told not to put any pressure or attempt to bend for 2 weeks.  That was very difficult.  I cheated 10 days in and paid for it for the following 2 days after trying to walk and bend my right knee.  I felt that the recovery was better by not moving it but it was very challenging to maintain the straight leg, it was very uncomfortable.  Now it's over 3 weeks Post-Op and my entire right leg is in pain.  It's not as uncomfortable as the June surgery but still swollen and painful.  Lots of sharp pains in the knees and still a lot of bruising although that is finally getting better.  The swelling continues to go down with the assistance of ibuprophen along with ice and elevation.  I sleep with an ice bag and try not to take the pain medication if I can get through it.  I don't like taking so many medications.  So I stick to what I think is most beneficial.  I tried going to the gym this week.  2 days in and I was paying for riding the bicycle. So I'm sticking to a specialized yoga practice at home for now.  Might hold off on the gym for another week and try the swimming pool.  I'm still using a cane because it can get very painful very fast if I'm walking or standing around for too long.  I will probably use that for at least another week as well.   I do think overall the holding off on using the right leg is better in the long run.  I remember the pain being awful after my June 2013 surgery for a long time.  My hope is that I won't have to have another surgery again for either a long time or ever again.  I can only hope.