Welcome to Mayo Connect. I had really bad pain before I knew it was my hips (docs had always blamed my back) so I rode a bicycle. When I couldn't manage that anymore, I switched to a stationary bike or walking in the pool. I feel they kept my quads strong and that helped with recovery.
Are any of those possible for you?
Sue
PS I was also eating NSAIDS like candy - that I do not recommend. It took my stomach years to recover.

I was also suffering before my hip replacement. After, and I mean immediately after, that pain was gone.
There were some new pains!
Those gradually subsided. I was on Percocet for pain for three weeks, then OTC meds. I’m four months out from surgery. I’m able to do 2-3 mile walks and everything else i used to do. Full recovery to be 100% takes a long time, I think. I could not have gone without the hip replacement. Also, surgery was easy peesey.
Don’t do what i did and watch a video of a hip replacement before you have it!

@skoogka I went to physical therapy before my surgery. I also continued to go the gym and walk 3 times a week. My doctor prescribed a muscle relaxant that I could take.

My surgery for bilateral hip replacement has been cancelled x 2 due to infection risk. I am committed to keeping my body ready for surgery & recovery. I found a WONDERFUL program...MOVE WITH LEON...Versus Arthritis...its a free 12-week activity program for folks with arthritis and joint pain...it git started by a physical therapist during the pandemic when people couldn't go outside to exercise...the program has received many awards...I love it! I also found on PBS a program called Sit & Fit...I am taping all the episodes...I am not able to do all the moves in the Sit&Fit program...I do what I can...I do feel better by doing some exercises..
I can't walk anymore...too paimful...look up these 2 programs and see if your doctor would recommend them for you. The whole focus is strengthening your muscles that support your joints so pain can be lessened. I hope it helps!