Along the way the doctor suspected another infection, so I had a debridement and some of the pieces of my implant were replaced - he even gave me the ones he removed! There was that, and then some shortness of breath complicating recovery from what turns out to be aortic stenosis from radiotherapy I had years ago to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The stenosis lead to a buildup of fluid which was making me feel weaker than I already was at the hospital, and I learned first hand about thoracentesis, when the fluid is removed.
There were some other administrative snags that also prolonged my stay, including waiting for approval to go to acute physical therapy rehab, which wasn't approved, but just as well because I think I'll make better progress being at home.

I am getting around much better with my walker but it's still a long road ahead, and Sue, I certainly will heed your advice to take it slow. For now I'm waiting for PT as part of my home care which is also in an administrative process right now. All the pieces seem to be in place for me to get my independence back - to say nothing of getting my wife's life back to her as she has been my rock and support all along the way.

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