Smiddy3: Well, where to begin...where? OK, I had the procedure in the middle of February of 2020. The operation took only about an hour, perhaps an hour and 15 minutes. I stayed in the hospital only one day, and that was it! The day after the procedure, a hospital physical therapist had me up and walking the hallways---with a walker device, and into the physical therapy room, where I could practice going up and down short stairs. And, by the end of the day, I was ready to be released to go home. I didn't experience much pain at all, almost a level of 1 if at all. I took about 6 weeks to recuperate. By the end of 6 weeks I was ready to drive a car again. And, there is no pain in that hip joint (the right one). I still experience some pain in the left hip, so I know that I'll probably have to have that one done sometime in early 2021. About twice a week, during the first 4 weeks, I had a physical therapist and an occupational therapist come to my residence, to have me do some exercises to help improve the healing processes. So, that helps. I'm not sure what country that you live in, Smiddy3, so I don't know what kind of insurance that you have. If you're 81, and live in the United States, you no doubt have Medicare. Or, if you are in the U.K., you probably have insurance coverage through your National Health Services. Take advantage of whatever services that you have, in your country.
One thing that I will mention: At the hospital, I was provided with some pain-killing prescriptions---with the admonition to use them ONLY IF THEY ARE NEEDED. If I did not need them, because of having a little bit of pain, then I was cautioned to not take any. One prescription drug that was given was Hydrocodone, which is an opioid-based drug. The second day, a nurse came by and asked if I was experiencing any pain. I told him, well, just a little bit. He had me take two pills of the Hydrocodone. That was a mistake. I didn't realize that even ONE pill can make a person drowsy. Just one. And, he had me take 2 of those puppies. So, my admonition is, if you are not experiencing any pain, or just a little---DO NOT TAKE ANY HYDROCODONE. Take only what pain-relieving medication that is needed for your own circumstances. Otherwise, the procedure was successful, in my case. Now, it's a matter of getting the left side done, sometime in early 2021.
Best Regards to You, and all of those who have responded to my OP
Titch.