James,
My son is currently studying at Wallongong University. He's loved everything about your country, except for the Goon.
I'm a 57 year olds sports junkie who had been forced to give up almost everything over a period of two years when both of my hips failed me. I live in Colorado but couldn't ski anymore, couldn't climb the mountains in the summer, ditched softball after winning two senior league championships in a a row, could'nt dance with my wife etc. I was becoming a miserable cripple. I wasn't going out that way, so I did the research that all of us do. I found a surgeon close by who had a great reputation and then I contacted a few of his patients. I met one of his first patients for lunch and go the scoop first hand. I learned that if you pick a good surgeon and work your ass off in recovery, you can recover most of what you lost on the downhill spiral. Hip number one wasn't easy, and i still work my ass off every day getting it stronger and more flexible. Some days it still pains me, but I'm pushing through and doing a little more all the time. Now it the other hip that is holding me back, so that one is being fixed on June 6.
The surgery is not fun, and the first 30 days are a challenge with all the PT, lack of sleep, injections for blood clots etc. you will have bad days. But after that, it's just a matter of putting in the work. Ia m physically and mentally much stronger now than I was before the first surgery. I have no fear heading into the next procedure. I am delighted about the project of putting this whole bad hip thing in the rea r view mirror. I am taking my life back, with the help of a fabulous surgeon and the support of a lot of wonderful Hippy's who helped me though a number of dark times.
Find yourself an experienced surgeon and go get your hips fixed so you can start enjoying your life again. Stay posted and let the Hippys guide you. So many of us have already been down the path before you. Surgery is the surest and fastest way to get your life back. In less than two years from the time I decided to get surgery, I will be completely recovered and cleared to return to all the activities I love. And, even now I'm better than I was a year ago when I received the awful diagnosis that both hips neede to be replaced.
James, you can do this. Good luck and stay posted. Let me know if I can help.
Boomer