I struggled for years over the decision to go ahead with hip replacement surgery on my left hip. As a physically fit 73 year old, I could function fine during the day even if I was limping a bit at times or experienced some minor pain. What led me to the decision to go ahead with the surgery was the degree of pain while sleeping would often wake me up and was interfering with my sleep. It has been close to 6 weeks since my surgery, done via the anterior approach. My recovery has been tougher than I expected, although I never had any major surgery before. While I am now functioning cane-free in my home, I do use a cane when I go outside. I don't have my first follow-up with my surgeon's office for another week or so (7 weeks after surgery). My hip/thigh is still somewhat numb, sore, and sensitive. I was reading that it takes months for nerves to regenerate and that sometimes the numbness doesn't complete go away. What bothers me is the soreness and degree of discomfort that I often experience while sleeping. I can't help but wonder whether everything is going well or not. I guess the fact that I can do the exercises they prescribed and can walk around my place cane-free at 6 weeks may be a good sign but I'm concerned about the soreness/numbness and general discomfort I'm still having particularly at nights. I know I will learn more when I have that surgeon's appointment next week. I may have underestimated the recovery. I recall some people that had the anterior approach claiming they were 'pain free' within a very short time (weeks) and were walking long distances - that has not been my experience.