Deconditioning is not to be underestimated. While my case may be extreme, the good news is that slowly but surely I'm returning to a less 'Herman Munster' style gait and walking further without discomfort. I was off my feet for nearly a year with a temporary hip spacer, and another 9 weeks in the hospital after which it was baby steps with a walker for the longest time.

It's now six months after my third hip surgery, and it's only now that I'm beginning to feel more 'normal'. Little by little there is progress. What is working for me is taking the long view. Every day is a bit different, some days up, some down. But overall there is progress. It only takes a short period of time to decondition - but much longer to relearn and regain that muscle memory. Hang in there, and keep moving.