Day 9 post HO removal surgery

My hip feels great. I can do everything for myself. My range of motion is greatly improved. Flexion is pretty good, good enough that I can put socks on the normal way, even my TED hose. External rotation is excellent and unstrained; internal rotation while pretty good still feels a little tender.

The joint feels very stable, and if I'm not moving there's no pain. The muscles have healed up enough so that I need to remind myself not to overdo it. Every now and then I'll move a certain way and be reminded of Dr. Mayo's no straight leg-lifting and active abduction restrictions.

I'm using one crutch to even out my gait. I can walk without a crutch, but with a limp.

When I walk there is some muscle pain, which is probably related to the muscles Dr. Mayo had to detach, but it decreases every day.

At first it was painful to cough, but that pain is almost gone now.

I can comfortably sleep on my back or on my non-operated side. I can use a regular toilet without having to have my leg sticking out straight in front of me.

The bad:

My leg has started to swell and looks maybe 10-15% larger than the other leg. Also, it is bumpy and itchy at times. I remember going through a phase like this last time; I hope it passes quickly. I'm trying to go for walks more often to get that stuff broken down and pumped out.

My incision is red in places and my hip is swollen somewhat but not enough to prevent me from wearing pants. I'm hoping and praying that I can avoid infection and dermatitis.

One thing I've learned through these surgeries is that I have very sensitive skin. My belly has broken out with a rash where something was taped. It's possible that the itchiness and bumps on my leg are a delayed reaction to the nasty green stuff they scrub it with.

I do not cease to be amazed at how our bodies recover after being (carefully) hacked open and screwed, sewn, glued, and taped shut.