I have no statistics on how happy other hip replacement patients are but I can tell you that I have had both hips replaced in separate surgeries and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.  If I hadn't had the surgeies I would be in a wheelchair today.  I consider it sort of a miracle surgery in how it relieves pain and restores function in people who would otherwise end up in wheelchairs.  I couldn't walk without a cane or stand for more than a few minutes during the months before surgery.  Now I can shop till I drop and walk miles.  . Like I said -- a miracle.. . As for recovery time, I was able to drive at the 5-week mark (after each surgery).  I used a walking aid (walker or crutches, then a single crutch, then a cane) for about 2-3 months (I recovered faster from the second surgery).  I finished outpatient PT at about the 8-week mark.  I just had my 7-year check-up.