My orthopedic doctor has recommended a total hip replacement. I need to know how long is the recovery, how painfull is it, and what are the side affects or dangers of having the surgery. I am 66 years old. I am very active and still working. And I am in excellent health. In fact, I haven t had as much as a cold in over 2 yrs !! The password has changed because my other coputor died 4 yrs ago and it took me that long to save up for a new one, and I don t remember the old one anyway.