Thank do much for your experience. I've heard similar stories. My surveon said RA made my situation worst. Stay strong RA warrior

I had a total hip replacement Oct 2016. I had stage 4 osteoarthritis and stage 3 osteonecrosis with my RA. I complained of my hips hurting for 1 1/2 years before my dr finally ordered an MRI. The left was always worse. It started giving out and I was worried I'd fall. Apparently RA can accelerate OA. The surgery went well. It was very painful after...I wasn't glad I'd done it for at least the first 5 weeks. I didn't do physical therapy... just my exercises and walking. It hurts when I overdo or try to walk fast...a little in the thigh and just below my butt cheek. I'm glad I had it done...except for this first 5 weeks!

One suggestion , for your skin, to reduce scarring. Buy a bottle of Vitamin E capsules, then use a needle to open a capsule a time or two a day after staples are out, apply a small amount to the wound. But, don't buy Vitamin E oil in a bottle, if oxidizes within a few days, once open. Helps healing.

Not a hip, but I have had great toe repair surgery,(out of work for 6 weeks) but have visited many folks that had hip replacements when they were discharged from the hospital as a public health nurse. What I found was, the younger you are, the faster you recover, also, if your weight is closer to average that helps also. If you have time prior to surgery, you should try using a gym as much as possible, (#1 rule: never do anything that hurts) swimming or an exercise bike helps me feel better, even when my knees hurts, and I am limping. Eat healthy and practice taking big breaths and coughing will also help. Ask if the hospital puts in a (urinary) catheter for surgery, if so, drink more water the days before your surgery, and then drink lots when they are taking it out. If I can help with other issues, let me know, and good luck. Keep us updated.

Wow thank you will do!