Hi Sharri! So glad to see you back - I was a bit worried!
Sounds like we had the same approach - my incision follows the same path as yours, and is about 10 inches (or so they tell me, I can't see it except in a mirror, but I had 28 staples). I went through all the same things you've experienced at just about the same times - the "log leg" was the worst. Getting into bed was bad enough - but, once in, I was like a beached whale! Nothing worked like it was supposed to! During those early days, I was so focused on not hurting my incision, not breaking 90, and trying to make my leg move just a few inches to the side of the bed (I actually even pushed the one foot with my other foot, inching it along ever so carefully) that it was like I forgot how all the "normal" things, like my arms, were supposed to work. My upper arms are STILL sore from hauling myself around, and I was so sure I was going to wreck my back and have to call our sweet Chiropractor to bring her Activator to the house. But that never happened - in fact, my back hasn't been this good in years! Now I'm actually quite mobile - able to get in and out of bed by myself, getting around the house by myself, and even spending some time out on the deck enjoying this great weather! Hubby is amazed at the "strides" I've made since those early days when I couldn't even use the washroom alone!
I am 5 weeks post-op today. One week ago I discovered that I could walk without putting any pressure on the crutch on my operated side, so I have transitioned now to only one crutch (holding on my good side like they taught me). My PT was worried at first, but when I reminded her that my restriction on abductor muscle exercise was up, she relaxed! We did discuss a cane, and her advice to me was to wait until I can bear weight 100% on the operated side. Even only one crutch will still give you an assist from your upper body strength - a cane only extends the strength in your wrist and forearm - so her opinion was that I should not try a cane until I need it only for balance and a little security, not for strength. I'm still a bit nervous about placing all my weight on the operated leg, but I'm experimenting with it a little here and there. I am taking the "no limp" advice very seriously, though, after limping for almost 10 years - so I won't switch to a lesser support until I know I can use it without a limp.
So, all in all, I can tell you that each day you'll feel stronger and more "normal". It helped me immensely when the staples came out, and when I could finally get myself in and out of a side sleep position. A good night's sleep has amazing restorative powers!
BTW - whatever happened with your physio plan? I'm finding just some very simple physio is really helping me.
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