I'm very happy to hear you finally got some relief from the pain you've been in and were able to walk 3 miles. That's terrific and good for you!

I'm not sure if the bursa is removed with a total hip replacement. I did just one search and its inconclusive - so your best route is to ask your surgeon. I've had both knees, right hip and left shoulder replaced, and they do remove a number of physical structures - for ex - in a total knee replacement, the ACL and PCL tendons are usually removed, especially for older patients, like me!

As for your final question - a diagnosis of bursitis v arthritis causing pain in the hip is best asked of the surgeon. I do know that when my right hip became very arthritic (and ready for replacement) I had pain in my right groin (the hip joint actually sits under the groin).

The bursa I think you're talking about is on the outside of the hip, if it's still there……

Sorry I can't be of more help. You sound like a persistent person who works very hard to understand and fix any physical problems. There are too few of you in the world!

Again, congrats on finding a solution to your pain (colchicine) and for getting back to hip-replacement rehab. I know you will do very well!

Joe