Hi Sequin98 - you're in a similar position as I am. I'm stage 4 secondary OA in my right hip. I was put on the waiting list at the beginning of the month, which is supposed to be around 4 months in my area. My pre-op is on the 14th August, so I am hoping they can tell me a bit more. Until then it's a waiting game.
The surgeon told me not to worry about physio at this stage. Me, trying to be clever thought maybe there was something I could do to strengthen the muscles without aggravating the hip. After some research and advice from Josephine and Jaycey I have had to give up on that. It's just not worth the risk.
I have found that the last few weeks the state of my hip has definitely gone downhill very quickly. Since you have a long wait ahead of you I would suggest to take it easy, and as Jaycey said, baby your hip.
There is nothing really to help the pain. I do take co-codamol some nights to help me get off to sleep. Apparently they work as I slept through the mother of all thunderstorms the other night...I do find if I get a half decent night's sleep I can get through the day reasonably well. A sleepless night usually results in some kind of meltdown during the day. I also take Naproxen in the morning to take the edge off a little; although I am not sure they really help that much.
You could try ice or heat - that seems to help some people. This forum is a great resource, so if you have not already - start reading :smile2:.
Hang in there - every day is one day closer to your new hip!