My father in law had it done last year and it went very well. His is stainless but they have different replacements (ceramic TI, etc.) I have a good friend that is an consulting mechanical engineer for an ortho company too so I could recommend a good doctor in the Tampa Bay area. Do some research in your area and find a good Dr. and also do some research and see what you want. Don't let the ortho guy pick the one that buys him the best vacations....get what is best for you based on lifestyle etc. I say do it without a doubt.

Robert,
Sorry to hear about the hip. Fortunately there's some hope for young healthy guys like you. Until recently, my brother John sold hip replacements for several years. He now sells heart stents. He can give you some advice on what's out there and what to look for. PM me and I'll give you his phone number if you'd like.

Robert - I know you spoke to my mother about this when we were down in May and she told you my dad was an orthopaedic surgeon who has done hundreds of total hips. We would recommend going to have it done. Rehab will be a PITA, but you will be better off in the long run.
Take care and good luck
Rob

Duckenrock's brother gave some good advice. He also said it is very important that I use a doctor that has done a lot of revision type replacements on highly traumatized hips rather than one that normally does just primary hips,as there is a difference. Pretty sure my doctor is in the former catagory,but I will ask him.

Too bad about your hip.
I know how hard it is to get around when a person has joint, back, hip, knee, etc. pains.
When I had problems with my lower back I had to have surgery and I found a spine specialist. Was told to stay away from orthopedics for my condition. This doc fixed me up right. It's been close to 4 years now with no problems.

I know how hard it is to make this type of decision. I asked all the questions I could think of, spent time on the net researching the procedure and trading e-mails with those that had the same operation. It made my decision a lot easier. I went into operating room knowing what to expect.

Good luck, and hope it all works out.