It's been 13 years since I had my left hip replaced and it was the best thing I ever did. My discomfort had got to the point that I couldn't drive for more than 30 minutes w/o having to stop, get out and walk around. The top of my femur which is supposed to be round was so worn out it was cone shaped... the socket in the pelvic bone had a similar shape.
Prior to having it replaced I tried the corticosteroid injections into the joint for pain relief which helped some but IMO when pain came back it felt worse. Not sure if that was from being pain free for awhile or it was actually worse. Once I felt I couldn't take the pain anymore and had it replaced it was like flicking a light switch how fast the pain was gone. There was discomfort from the surgery but the deep intense bone pain/discomfort was gone. IMO most ppl will put up with/bear the pain much longer then needed.
Bottom line only you can decide when it's time to get it done... then if you're like me (and probably most that have had it done) you will be kicking yourself in the butt (w/your new hip.. pun intended) for waiting so long.
If you haven't already go visit an ortho surgeon, have x-rays done so you can see the extent of the damage. Since I had mine replaced technology has advanced significantly... Roger's replacement was done w/a newer method than mine and if I remember correctly it was less invasive.
Below is the commercial I did for hospital 8 weeks after surgery...
https://youtu.be/Ax_IlfK9240
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman: