Incision Pictures - Right & Left Hip PAO

Four Weeks POST - Left Hip PAO

I had my four week post-op appointment this morning with Dr.JS. They took x-rays to review my progress. So far, everything is healing great! Dr. JS stated that I will start Physical Therapy in 2 weeks (6 weeks post-op).  At that time, I can start putting weight on my left leg ... 25% weight-bearing at 6-7 weeks, 50% weight-bearing at 7-8, 75% weight-bearing 8-9 weeks, 100% after that as long as I'm doing well. I'm so happy that everything is healing well and that I didn't have to go the full estimated 8 weeks non-weight-bearing (like I had to go for my right-hip PAO). 

My pain is very limited and minimal.  I've been experiencing some pain on my right rear-side of my hip.  I discussed this with Dr. JS, he wasn't too concerned at this time.  He's stated that it's probably irritated since it's working extra hard.

I haven't been sleeping the best, up several times a night.  I contacted my PCP yesterday and they prescribed me a sleep aid (since melatonin hasn't been working). Hoping that starts helping me get a little extra sleep at night.  

Two Weeks Post-PAO

A couple days ago I tried to removed my bandage to take an evening shower, but it was sticking to my incision. I was able to remove it slowly with the help of warm water while showering. However, since it was still pretty sticky, I didn't re-bandage it that night. I kept the bandage off to air it out while I slept. Since I've only been able to sleep on my back, I knew that I wouldn't rip open the incision by rolling over or moving. Since then, I've been airing it out every night. The incision has been pretty itchy on and off - but since airing it out the past 3 nights, the itchyness has decrease.

I took my last Morphine pill on Sunday. Since then, my pain level has been about the same.  However, now I've been taking one Oxycodone in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Dr. JS expected that I would probably need to increase the Oxycodone once the Morphine ended. I'm happy that I've only had to add one dose.