I had my surgery in mid-April 2016 (double hip replacement) and feel absolutely awesome!
I was not diagnosed until February of this year as needing hip replacements and must say that I was initially reluctant to get on the surgical schedule during that 1st appointment with the ortho surgeon. He was adamant that my hips were so bad that I needed surgery immediately. So, the first opening in the calendar was April 18, 2016. I took it. I think my age (~50) + the fact that I had -0- hip pain -- all of my pain was legs + lower back -- led to an ortho surgeon being the last specialist my GP had me see after years of seeing many different other specialists looking for the reason(s) that I could barely walk + had excruciating leg + back pain.
Then I thought (during the Feb 2016 appointment with ortho surgeon)... I literally can't go on much longer as I am now -- I couldn't stand up for more than 10 seconds; I cannot walk without a walker (could not walk at all even with a cane); was in super-severe pain that 120mg of Oxycontin 2x/day would not even touch; was a complete burden to my family and friends -- requiring help for something as simple as getting a glass of water, which was nearly & usually impossible for me to do on my own. Life was awful + no quality of life. I honestly thought a wheelchair was in my immediate future.
So here I am now just 3 months post-surgery able to do everything for myself (including putting on my own socks + shoes!); able to get the mail; able to take the trash + recycle buckets to the curb; run to the grocery store (and walk throughout the whole store).
I stopped using a walker about 2 weeks post-op; still using a cane mostly for balance and just in case I trip. Usually though, I forget the cane in another room or across the room I am currently in. Basically, I don't need it anymore.
I'm not suggesting this -- as it goes against what everyone preaches -- but I did little-to-none physical therapy. I dreaded the days that the PT would come to the house and finally ~3 weeks post-op, I politely told her that I was done. I hate PT and honestly got nothing out of it and felt that it was pointless. But that was me -- certainly not for everyone who just had hip replacement(s). Most will tell you that PT is #1 super important, but it just never seemed to do anything for me.
My recovery has been nothing short of miraculous -- so much so, I went out searching for & got a part time accounting job after not working for many years. (I worked via online from home, but no going to the office for years). Now, I am in the office at least 3 days/week and look forward to it.
I was scared prior to the surgery and certainly apprehensive -- but all I can tell you is that in a few months, you will be convinced that going through with the surgery was the best decision made of your life.
GOOD LUCK!
Sincerely,
John
p.s. I joined this forum tonight for the sole purpose of being able to reply to your post!
United States
take care and your in my prayers
In an earlier post you said "I had a dream I woke up from surgery and all the pain was gone". Well for me, that was more or less the case. There was discomfort during recovery, but you ice and elevate and take your meds to keep ahead of any pain and you're on the way. I was kind of emotional afterward too. All the pain and the waiting then it's finally done but you're still scared. Again, I listened and learned from my Bonesmart angels. 
