First, I will address the "how long" - my initial surgeon told me "waiting is no big deal" when it is "just elevated metal ions" so I waited a year, until it fit into my life. By then it had affected my heart, thyroid and nervous system - so it WAS and IS a big deal. I had a horrendous experience with that surgeon on the first revision, accusing me of being dramatic about my symptoms and ignoring the nurses' pages after surgery about my condition. Were it not for the hospitalist on duty that night, it may have been very bad.

Needless to say, I found a different surgeon for the second revision. Since he had never used the MoM implants, he was wary also, of replacing the implant based on metallosis. But then in his exam, he could also feel the tissue breakdown along the bone and decided to proceed. Afterward he told my husband he was appalled at the "invisible" damage - the muscle was deteriorated to the consistency of old oatmeal.

Second, as to the opiates, I have had 4 surgeries in the past 2 years. After each procedure, a small amount (10-20)of these meds were prescribed. In each case, by using ice, LOTS of ice, plus transition to Tylenol taken faithfully at the prescribed dose and interval, I didn't use up even the small amount I was given.

Going with my gut, and listening to your surgeon say "But he also said every single revision he has done (35) when he did it it showed some damage" in your place, I personally would opt for revision. Before knee surgery. If you are concerned about the stress on your bad knee, plan on using a walker after the hip surgery for several weeks, and working with and excellent PT before and after surgery on exercises and body mechanics to minimize the effects.

Have you considered getting a second opinion from an ortho who specializes in revisions?
Sue