@beffers Wow, that is a long wait - why so many months? Have you considered asking for a temporary adjustment in your duties to a less strenuous position? I know that may be difficult in nursing, but while recovering from surgery, my daughter was moved from the floor to phone triage for several months.
In the mean time, you might consider Voltaren gel or cream - there is a prescription strength of 2.25 -2.32% Diclofenac Sodium that can be helpful.
hat my Mom made me do (very reluctantly) while I was awaiting hip replacement at 54 was to use a cane to take the strain off - she was right. Later I learned it would have been even better to use a walker (I needed both hips) - maybe not a solution at work, but do consider it for all other times.
Good luck - and maybe bug the surgeon to move the appointment up?