I was also walking unaided within a couple weeks, and was up walking the day after surgery (with a walker then). It's been a month now, I don't use a walker, crutches, etc., but might use a cane if I go to the grocery store. Cannot drive yet, they say if it's you're right side, you have to wait at least 4 weeks, 6-8 is even more likely. My surgeon is very reputable, he just does not push PT for hip replacement patients. He said that a recent study showed that hip patients recover as well without it. I don't know if I buy that...but I have gone to PT a few times and feel worse after I go. I will give it more of a chance, sounds like I might just be too impatient...but it is still quite painful. My incision is from side to side, maybe 6" long, at an angle, if that tells you anything..