Seven (and a Half) Weeks Post-Op

The healing proceeds apace. Pain is negligible, movement is good, abscess is on the mend.

I've been going to the gym several times a week (the goal being every day but sometimes it just gets away from me). I know my physical therapist told me I couldn't do more than resistance level 1 until I see the doctor again May 19, but... machines are different, right? Some go 1-10, but the one at my gym goes 1-20. So I have been squidging my way up on the resistance and am now up to 30 minutes at level 3, with no obvious ill effects. I have also been doing some upper body exercises and ab work.

Last month Erin warned me to stay on two crutches and 1/3 body weight until May 19, but it is hard to do that when I am feeling so much better and stronger. I have to admit that I sometimes put the crutches down when I am in the kitchen and just taking small steps around carrying a bowl from counter to counter or something. So technically that is the verboten full weight sans crutches. I know I shouldn't but it is so tempting, and there's no pain to tell me "no."

It turns out Erin was right about the abscess: it has been clearing up. It is still scabby but I don't wear a Band-Aid anymore. The rest of the scar is pretty much the same as it was -- like someone drew a line on me with a mauve-colored marker.

I am pleased with my range of motion, and I can feel that the muscles around my hip are getting stronger. I can lift my leg onto the couch now, or into the car, without using my hand under the knee to help it up. One thing I still can't do is put my socks on right (operated) foot, or tie my shoelaces on that foot. The angle when I bend over the right hip is too acute. I can do the left, but not the right.

Not really much else to report this week. I guess this is the long boring part of recovery.