3 1/2 week update.
I will keep the details light for I know some people are squeamish.
I was called up and offered a quick slot privately so had the operation on the evening of the 14th September (Monday). Both the surgeon and the anesthetist were know and have worked with a close family member so I took their advice and went with a epidural and no sedation rather than general anesthetic to reduce complications. I was well aware of what the operation entailed and so wasn't phased by what I could hear and feel but would say it was pretty brutal.
The combined effect of the epidural, loss of blood and a fairing aggressive operation means you feel pretty rough through the night and next day. Pain management is so important so you can rest and exercise but medication was making me faint.
I was on a zimmer frame the day after the operation and full weight baring immediately. And yes, it feels like your leg is longer but x-rays show it should be pretty much in the same place.
I was on crutches on the second day and walking stairs slowly. They sent me home on the third day, Thursday. The car journey was uncomfortable, the walk with crutches to the house from the car was exhausting. My leg was still swollen and very heavy, this got better over the next week. My issue was I was increasing my daily exercises with an aggressive view of pushing each day but that fatigued the weakened muscles and made me very uncomfortable or unable to properly move. I slowed it down and lowered my expectations.
We adapted a straight back sitting chair with leg extenders which means I have a place to sit and relax. Normal sofas are not comfortable and can be hard to get out of. Dining chairs were horrible for the first few weeks. I had a toilet seat extender but hated it so only used it a few times. I need to get up and walk at night ever few hours so walking to a toilet has been fine. We have a edwardian style toilet that is quite high so no issue with that one. Other than the crutches and the grabber, I needed no other modifications.
At two weeks the surgeon reviewed me and was very happy and said just carry on walking and moving about, building up each day and let the crutches go when I feel like it.
At 3 1/2 weeks I can walk without crutches about the house and garden but the idea I could go for a 20 minute walk is a way off. Sitting for an hour starts to hurt, lying down for an hour starts to hurt, standing for a while starts to hurt. I don't expect this will stop being the case for a while but I can wash, dry and put my socks on so consider that to be a success.
Yesterday, I worked on a pinball machine so I can't complain, except about the pain, which still needs medication despite my attempts to stop taking it.
If anyone wants more details then PM me.