I'm in waiting for THR #4, after two became infected. I'm hoping I have the bone density for the next THR, or else it's likely to be Girdlestone or the like.

My experiences have been that every recovery is different, but my previous THRs have been far less painful and much easier to recover from than having a spacer, where I'm currently at.

My recovery advice is to keep your eye on the prize - time really does matter. After my last, most painful and difficult surgery I tried to stay focused on the long term outcome and visualize my path to walking again while I was writhing in bed maxed out on painkillers. Looking back at the early stage of my recovery it's hard to believe I was in that much pain at all. The pain and discomfort will subside. I got by (in addition to painkillers) with conscious, deep breathing, visualization and my music collection!

Yes, at first physical therapy was more like physical torture, but I'm so glad my therapists pushed me to and sometimes beyond the pain threshold. Looking back at it now it was all worth it.