Here's an update on my 6-week followup appointment with the physician's assistant (PA).
In a nutshell: My x-rays look fine, the hip seems to be moving around the way it should, my numb quads are showing signs of waking up.
I expressed concerns about not being able to sleep, having pain where the drain incision was, as well as pain in my hip flexor and glutes. The PA checked my glutes and hip flexor and agreed that they are tight from compensating for my dead quads, so to try massage or ice/heat. The restrictions for the anterior approach prohibits the two stretches that would help (extending back and the Figure 4 glute stretch).
She didn't have any suggestions regarding sleep or medication management when I asked. I asked about returning to work and how long I needed the leg brace. She told me the leg brace was up to my physical therapist but would ask the surgeon. She agreed with me that I was not ready to go back to work/school.
The surgeon came in and looked at how I walked without the brace and said I could go without it! Yay! He thought I might be able to go back sooner than 12 weeks, but I asked him if I could come in for a reevaluation in another 4 weeks (at 10 weeks). I'm so relieved that neither of them were pushing me.
So I'm contacting Human Resources to see how to work out the logistics. They are completely swamped with teachers requesting leave due to COVID.
My main concerns now are my inability to sleep, my pain levels being just high enough that I can't cut down my meds, and the frustration of my muscles atrophying. Whew! I am relieved that many of my questions were answered and that I'm not trapped in the brace forever.
Thanks to
@Going4fun for an educator's perspective and advice!