Thank you all for sharing your comments and experiences.
@Eman85 Your comments about setbacks seem to be the pattern of my recovery- feeling better and then a setback. I know my friends and family mean well, but I hate it when they ask me how I’m doing, especially when I told them just the week before that I was getting better, when today, I am achy and tired. As I read all of the helpful information (and experiences) on this site, I mentally feel better. That and this great cold machine that the surgeon recommended. It has been my best friend throughout this recovery.
What I didn’t share in my first post was that by noon of the second day after surgery, I stopped taking the pain med that was prescribed due to a conflict with the pain med I have prescribe for another issue that I have (CRPS). Taking them both, with the antibiotic was making me very nauseous. My hip doctor advised against/told me to stop the CRPS meds, which I did. But by the 3rd day, the CRPS symptoms were manifesting, so I went with the CRPS meds (Tramadol), and 2 Advil every 6 hours and my cold machine regiment. The continuous use of the cold machine helped suppress any major unbearable pain.
Lastly, the anxiety of taking all of this time off of work is also weighing heavily on me. I am an elementary school principal and in my whole career, I have only ever taken a day or two off. Tomorrow will be starting my 4th week off, and although my assistent principal has been assigned as interim acting principal, I can’t help but be concerned about all aspects. And yes, it is what it is, but I can’t help but feel bad about being out so long when I really was lead to believe I would only be out 2, maybe 3 weeks (I know now, C-R-A-Z-Y!!!) My staff has been tremendous with the prayers, get well cards, emails, and texts with get well wishes, and gift cards/meals, but I know that this has been hard on them also. But as I have read throughout this site, I just need to focus on my recovery, be grateful for reaching each milestone and the comradery of everyone on this site. I know this situation is temporary and I have so much to look forward to.
So thank you all very much.