Oh goodness! December 23rd.. that is so exciting! Yah, you should be fine on your own by December 20th, but I am sorry that you can't be with them- you will be in spirit, though.
Tomorrow is just one full week for lefty. After your walks you may want to elevate the legs and try some of the deep diaphragmatic breathing? That may very well help move the swelling that you are experiencing.
I'll leave it here for you, just in case. I noticed with my most recent THR and swelling that it didn't begin responding until the second week, but then again maybe it was and it would have been even more swollen if I hadn't practiced the MLD techniques? Then one day I was able to lie down in bed, elevate and do the MLD techniques until I fell asleep and later when I awakened I felt so much better and the swelling was much less.
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Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 5, or 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 5 then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.
Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you could get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.
You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will, and it will help get things moving.
The reason this can help is because our lymphatic system doesn't use our cardiovascular system to help lymph fluids move.. no assistance from the heart pumping. Our breathing and our physical (muscular) movements keep it flowing.
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United States
, for me...
You're doing all the right things and have a good mindset to sail through the ups and downs of this bizarre party called hip recovery. 
. Keep up the good work. Sending healing hugs across the pond.
Love these crazy guys! Have a good one! 
I am glad your meds are covering the pain.
