What should I be aware of in a Hip Revision surgery?

@kitten701 Well, it is a major surgery. And a good revision surgeon will open the area enough to take a good look at the condition of the bone behind the cup and the rest of the prothesis, so the incision has to heal, as well as any muscles and tendons they move.
That said, replacement of the cup (and maybe the ball if it has worn) don't require the trauma to your bones that happened in the first surgery.
So, if it is uncomplicated, expect an easier time of recovery. I had a revision complicated by damaged tissue, and even with cleaning that up, I had an easier recovery than the initial replacement.
If the pain has affected your lower back, be sure to get a rehab order that covers dealing with the back pain - probably some gait evaluation and strengthening exercises for that as well as your leg.

Good luck! I know how disappointing it is to have to go through it all again!

Kitten701, I certainly hope it goes well for you. I have had bi-lateral hip replacements, (2003,2004). I only had a very small amount of leg length discrepancy, and used a little lift in my one shoe. About 2020, I started having a "clunk" coming from my second replacement. I finally went and saw an orthopedic doctor who was quite sure it was my back? I really didn't have any pain from my back, so I was confused. I ended up seeing about 3 other doctors to consult about my back. OK, I guess I had a lot of degenerative problems and scheduled to have a fusion in 2021. That did nothing to stop the "clunking", so I went and saw the ortho doctor again and we decided it should be replaced. The revision surgery I had resulted in 3 very painful dislocations of my hip. Finally, had another surgery to correct. The doctor told me that because I had the back fusion, (and he thought the cup looked good, so he did not replace that) and as a result, he said that was causing an impingement. I was very disappointed that the surgery ended with about a 1" difference in my leg lengths. My original joint is now about 22 years old, and although it's painful at times, I think I'll be checking out with this one!

I've had two revisions due to infection. The first was performed over 10 years after my initial THR, and seemed to have been relatively routine. Once that hip became infected, the second revision was a bit more difficult. My orthopedic surgeon had a difficult time removing the implant, since the bone had grown into it, as was intended. Removing the prosthesis caused damage to my femur and my surgeon felt he was not up to the task to install another prosthesis, especially with the chronic infection. I lived with a spacer for about a year until I had outside approval from my HMO to see a surgeon specializing in reconstructive and oncology surgery. Two years out, so far, so good, but I still live with chronic infection for which I have a nightly antibiotic infusion.
So, short answer, after multiple surgeries, none are like the other. Every one is different. I still feel like I'm overcoming the deconditioning I experienced while I had the space and in recovery. Ask questions - especially about risk of infection.

Thank you for sharing your story. My surgeon and I've discussed the infection risk. I have Systemic Lupus and RA so basically, I have no immune system. I guess time will tell. I've had both knees and hips replaced. I was doing well till this happened. Again thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Mossyrocker, for sharing your story. I'm aware it's not going to be a picnic. I've had both hips and knees replaced; but, this is my first second go around. I want to be prepared mentally for whatever happens. I've been chasing pain relief for 20 years and after my last surgery, a spinal cord stimulator implant, I swore it's never have another surgery. I'm 70 years young and know I won't heal the same as I did 20 years ago. Again thanks for the info, I'll be better prepared with your help. Thanks a bunch!

Thank you for your sharing. I've got several things against me (RA and Systemic Lupus) notwithstanding my age of 70. I wanted to be more aware of what I'm facing to be prepared mentally for whatever may happen. Your input has helped me reach that goal. Thank you very much for your reply.

It took nearly a year for the symptoms I was having to be identified as an infection from my hip prothesis. Who knows what might have been if it were identified earlier. My surgeon informs me, and my own research bears this out, that 1/100 hip implants result in infection. Just my luck. I have an implant in my left hip for 21 years now - no problem. I've adapted to the daily infusion, much better than the alternative. Good luck with your joints! I'm just thrilled at my age (62) to be able to do most everything I need to do on my own after all these surgeries.