Mike, I'm new here, and wanted to add my congrats! It sounds like this is something you have been
striving for for awhile. We have something in common, I too will be having to have a hip replacement.
I know the osteoarthritis started when I was in my 20s, because my hips would sometimes hurt at night,
but only if I got real cold, or was sleeping on a hard surface, like on the ground when camping out.
I didn't really have much trouble till this past year. Fast forward to age 54, and now it hurts pretty bad
when I walk more than a few blocks. Last year, I walked 3 to 4 miles a day, several times a week,
and now suddenly the one thing I love to do the most for excercise is taken away.
My doctor told me after she got the MRI results, ( I told her both hips bother me,
but she forgot and only ordered one of my left hip!) that I had severe arthritis, and if I were 10 yrs.
older they would want to do a replacement right away. Now I'm thinking.. you mean I have to suffer w/this
for several more years!?!? Do they make you wait till you can't walk at all? 
I am interested to hear more of your story if you don't mind, and have the time.
I wish you the best Mike, and hope it turns out really well for you.
Debbie