Two month update
Thank you Layla, appreciate you checking in, and sending healing thoughts to all on the recovery side.
I "graduated" from PT this week, although I scheduled a check-up in mid-September. I really liked my PT, especially the massages that really helped with my swelling. Swelling is significantly reduced, but still not gone. Previously I would feel some light pain towards the bottom of my incision (believe from the swelling), but I haven't felt that for maybe two weeks.
Speaking of incision, the very bottom has been the slowest to heal. It was shared with me that this is due to the fact that it "knitting" together both the sides and bottom, and thus taking longer. I have what seems two areas where I am spitting a stitch, so slightly more red in those areas. Last weekend, I was invited out to a lake to a swim, but one of my friends encouraged me not to, as she said it wasn't worth risking an infection. I had received clearance at 6 weeks post-op for a bath, but I think I read someplace that lake swimming should wait longer. In any case, I decided not to risk it.
I am comfortably walking (and at a good pace) 3 to 4 miles a day. I am waiting another month to go back to the gym (and swimming), as I am trying to squeeze the last bit of summer walks with what remains of our longer days. I am now permanent WFH, and will have to navigate the time to drive to the gym (as much as I love it). Funny how once a new routine is set (e.g. staying home), all of a sudden finding time to drive to gym and working out is hard to figure out.
However, I seem to need the discipline of a scheduled workout with weights, etc. in order to get back on my fitness journey (really missing the free weights).
The real joy and I have spoken of this before, is that 50% of the time, I have completely forgotten I had the surgery. While I am still on restriction for one more month (e.g. no leg back and turned out), going about gardening, home chores, etc. I feel as good as I did before my hip starting going down hill. I must admit my overall mood is elevated as a result. I didn't realize how sad I had become due to pain and losing my mobility. It is only when I see my incision, or weakness when doing a squat, that I am reminded that I am still recovering.
Final update, I also had an appointment with a surgeon recommended by my ortho for my bunions. I have also been putting that surgery off for many years, but now want to get them fixed, so that I have the best chance of keeping my lower half in working order. I checked out the other section of this website to see if bunion experiences, but it doesn't appear to have much activity. Not sure if I start a section in other joints, or if anyone has other recommendations on good support sites like this one? This forum was invaluable when I was scared and didn't want to get a hip replacement.