Good but not great

I went to the doctor today for x-rays and a post-operative appointment.  I ended up somewhat disheartened, though I really shouldn't be.

x-rays went well, and I'll post them as soon as I get them, but it looks like a total hip replacement.  I got a shot of both hips and you can see that the geometry looks good.

When it came time to meet the doctor, we really didn't talk that much about the surgery- he confirmed again that it was not in good shape, even the acetabulum was showing signs of problems.  We did look at the x-ray and I saw what looked like a cotter pin on the x-ray.  He said he had to put some surgical wire around the bone to protect it as he put the new stem in the leg.  We also discussed somewhat my leg length.  I told him I thought it might be a little longer than the old one, but he countered that it was likely due to the old one being so short, and that some additional settling will occur with the new hardware.

He pulled out my staples and... told me to see him in three weeks.  I was expecting a change in my limited use status- maybe doing some other exercises, but as of now, the only exercises I can do are those in bed, some isometrics and leg raises.

I was disappointed.  I mean, Regis was back at work in 3 weeks- here I am not supposed to be putting weight on my leg and wearing compression stockings.

Stef tells me the big difference is that I've been out of it for over 4 months.  My muscles are very weak.  The doctor did mention that my bone is 'soft'.  Bone is pretty amazing that it requires stress to have it rebuild itself.  If it isn't being used, the body starts to take it apart.  If it is used a lot, it strengthens.  My legs have not been used a lot lately, so muscle atrophy and bone softness is why I assume I'm not being moved ahead faster.

Patience.