Hi Aerial,
My hip deteriorated slowly at first and then accelerated rapidly in the last 6 months before surgery.
My first x-ray was in 2000 when the doctor told me I had the hips of someone in their 50s (I was in my mid 20s at the time). In January, 2008, I had a left hip arthroscopy. I also had a labral tear and bone spurs on my femoral head and acetabulum. The arthroscopy relieved most of my pain but I knew it was a matter of time before I had major surgery. Late last year, I saw the surgeon who performed the scope because my pain was increasing and I was continuing to lose range of motion. He said that my two options were pain tolerance or a hip resurfacing / replacement. He actually had his hip resurfaced and was encouraging about the process. After that meeting, I thought I could last a few more years, as the pain wasn't that bad and I had just done a 100 mile bike ride, so could still keep in shape. However, in February, everything in my hip accelerated. Like wayne-O said, it was like I was on the downhill of a roller coaster. The pain got much worse and my lateral range of motion was non-existent. In about 5 months, I went from consistent cycling to barely being able to get through a pedal stroke without pain. Everyone is different but I've talked to a few people whose hips deteriorated rapidly. You'll have a lot more information about your situation after meeting with Dr. Gross. All the best!