What is Hip replacement surgery really like?

Here is my hip story. In 2020 when pandemic was wreaking havoc and gyms were closed, I increased my 3 times a week running to every day. In March 2021 I developed left groin pain. Took a week off still had pain. Consulted a sports medicine doc at Hospital for Special Surgery. She ordered an xray that showed bone on bone. She somberly said she could not believe I hadn’t had a hip replacement. She advised I see a surgeon but I opted for PT. I am a PT lifer having had many sports related injuries. I was very conscientious about PT but decided I should meet a surgeon in the event I went off the “orthopedic cliff “ and was immobile, in pain, etc. It is very difficult to get an appointment without having to wait months. So I saw a surgeon at HSS. I told him I just wanted to meet him and see if I would be comfortable with him if surgery
was necessary but wasn’t planning on it then. He explained I would be a candidate for anterior approach and back to my activities in 3 months. As a runner, tennis player and golfer this was very important to me. He wasn’t pushy but told me in 6 months to a year my arthritis would be worse. Still I left his office thinking I will double down in PT and prove him wrong. Well he was right. I started to limp and had difficulty sleeping. I had the surgery March 2023. I followed his post op protocols, did PT and have an excellent result.
The first week was uncomfortable but pain decreased and was tolerable with Tylenol.
I wish you the best if you have surgery. Happy to chat with you if you want more info.

So I can just wait until I have pain or not able to move comfortably? That is the direction I am heading.

I had anterior approach on L hip ‘21 and R hip ‘23. I did not have much post op pain and used trekking poles initially the first few days. I also went home the same day. Life got busy w/first grandchildren born and keeping them vs parents illness/death and caring for them…..2 months after R hip. I cant move my legs apart to get on a bike or sit on my horse…they say from scar tissue formation from caring for parents. It does take a couple years to fully stress hips; ex. Using a shovel, climbing over a wooden fence (farmer). I stretch and continue PT regimen to keep strong and only take some ibuprofen when do a lot of heavy work. But, I can bend and pick up sticks/maintain yard much easier and minimal pain.
Wishing you the best!

I don't regret having the surgery even though I'm not dealing with a joint infection. The quality of life since I got the replacement was worth it to be able to walk, drive, and even dance pain free. I regret not going back to running. I would suggest take advantage of any health and PT opportunities that you can to strengthen the muscles and joints before deciding and going into surgery. Move toward if not maintain a healthy weight and diet as it will decrease risks of infection and increase your recovery time. Consider building muscle, endurance, and strength that will also aid you regardless if you do the surgery or not.

Also, consider options you may have as to alternatives to surgery and surgery techniques. Even though my weight, my surgeon did the anterior approach which doesn't have as many restrictions that the posterior and lateral approaches might. I was able to bend over, cross my legs, or mostly anything that was weight bearing. I believe all approaches would not allow you to submerge in water (tubs, pools) , high impact like running etc for at least 6 weeks, but that is also a discussion to have with your surgeon.

Also, follow every pre-op and post-op precaution carefully and thoroughly. There's a very small risk to infection, but it can and does happen and anything you can do to avoid it, do that.

@tkrfail21 I think you can do more harm to yourself waiting. If you can build muscle, move toward and maintain a healthy weight, and other activities that build strength and endurance, I think that would be wise to wait as it would increase your success and recovery. But, also waiting may increase more damage that will make it harder for you to recover. Just my opinion.

Four years ago I had a new left hip implanted. I was about 76 at the time. My surgeon is the primary inventor of the minimally invasive Superpath hip replacement technique. I had zero post surgery pain. Six months ago the same surgeon replaced my right knee. Again, no post surgery pain.

My conclusion: Surgeon selectin is key. A great extraordinary surgeon cannot guarantee you a pain free recovery but having selected him did maximize my chance at that recovery.

Now I don't notice that my left hip is titanium and my right hip is bone nor do I notice that my left leg is bone but my right knee is oxidized zirconium.

Who is the doctor please

I have appreciated all the informative responses. I had almost backed out, but after reading your comments I'm going to have the surgery.I have an excellent dr who does anterior with navigation-not robotics. Please share the pain you experienced. That is what I'm most afraid of. PTSD from my many knee surgeries with extreme pain.

@tkrfail21 NO surgery is pain-free, but hip replacement pain is manageable. I have done it 5 times, along with many other ortho surgeries. Here is what I recommend, especially with your PTSD:
ICE, Ice, ice! Get an ice machine with a hip cuff. Plan to use it 24/7 for the first several days, then frequently (whenever off your feet and after all PT) for several weeks. Then keep it handy - when you ache, ice.
Do pre-surgery PT to get as strong as you can. It will make recovery easier. If your insurance allows see a PT for pre-surgery exercises. If not maybe @steveinarizona can help with a list of the exercises he used.
Stay ahead of the pain for the first week, and before PT. Now is not the time to be "tough" because once it hurts, it is harder to control. I only used narcos for a couple days, but for weeks alternated Tylenol & ibuprofen to stay as comfortable as possible. Talk to your doctor about their pan management plan before surgery. And when it hurts, ice some more.

Good luck, like most of us, after a few weeks you will bew glad you did it.

Thank you. I'm very familiar with ice. Still ice after 4 years. Oxi makes me sick. How strong is the pain.