As for how long it takes for the pain of a hip replacement to go away, I think it varies from person to person. On Friday it will be one month since I had my right hip replaced. I have almost no pain in the hip--just a little stiffness in the surrounding muscles, but that is getting better with time and with the exercises my physical therapist is giving me. I'm walking around the house unaided and use a cane when I go out. I was able to dispense with the walker almost 2 weeks ago. I am actually progressing more rapidly this time around than I did when I had my other hip done 6 years ago. Right now I'm more bothered by my right knee (hoping to avoid a knee replacement) and some peripheral neuropathy in my right leg. The therapist is trying to address those issues as well as helping me recover from the hip surgery. So, every recovery is different, even in the same patient. Physical therapy is key--if your insurance covers it, I would recommend spending a week in a rehab hospital after you are discharged from acute care. And when you get home, if at all possible, I would recommend doing outpatient PT rather than having someone come to your home, if you are able to arrange transportation. At an outpatient clinic, the therapist has more equipment available and can give you a wider range of exercises. But home therapy is better than nothing, and be sure to do all your recommended exercises on days when you don't have PT.