Got a friend post op knee replacement, and probably going through similar to you. That kind of depression is pretty normal. Good that you are recognising it. Think thats a real key to it - that you can be a bit analytical about whats going on. Then you can deal with it, or ignore it or rationalise it, but whatever way, its not going hidden and sneaking up on you like a lot of clinical depression can do.
Know exactly what you mean about the tramadols. I can't take them either, and will get nasty withdrawal after taking very little. My doc also prescribed 2 four times a day straight off, and I never got up to more than one three times a day - and at that felt so awful that I knocked them off and swore never again.
Hang in there. You are doing great.
