Puravida, this is an outstanding forum. To be honest, one of the best things I've discovered on the web. My pain began a few years ago, but started hurting really hurting about 1 yr ago. I kept kidding myself that it was a muscle pull. After an a visit to my primary care Doctor and a series of x-rays, my worst fear was confirmed, THP. I request a visit to an OS and he confirmed the diagnosis and said I would know when the time was right. I then started researching the internet for a solution. I mean after all, if humans can launch a spacecraft beyond the solar system, there must be some magic to heal my hip. Sadly, it's not to be. Well, after searching the internet, I happened upon this site. Let me tell you, the couple I found were frightening. All spam and advertisements. Like Goldilocks said, this one was just right. Provided the correct information and links for further study, great opinions from others (and there are a lot of us) that are experiencing and/or have lived thru the same thing and it was free. At first, I was like "no body's cutting me open and taking part of my leg". We've been together to long. But then, one day, reality set in. I read a post from a lady (from somewhere in the world) saying how her world was shrinking. I realized that was me (not literally). My world was becoming smaller. I remember a year ago hiking with my grandson (2-3 yrs old) and when he got tired, I carried him home (about 1/2 mile). Now, I can't carry him 50 ft, talk about shrinkage. I also realized the pain I experience now (I only take tylenol) will not lessen and my hip will never heal. In reality, if I didn't proceed with THR, there will be a point in the future when I will say "I should have had that done 10 yrs ago". It will have been a life lived in a small world. Well, thanks to Josephine and the other wonderful contributors, I re-gained my senses, visited the OS, and I'm scheduled for Nov 13.
Good luck with your decision, for me, it became easy.
and to Josephine et al, thank you very very much!