When you're deciding whether to have hip replacement surgery, it may help to hear what other people thought about as they made their decision.

[Man's Voice] "My hip is definitely getting worse.

It hurts when I walk ... when I sit ... even when I lie down.

I know I'll need a hip replacement one day ...

but I just feel like I'm too young for that now.

My doctor's going to prescribe some anti-inflammatory medicine, and she says there are other things we can try if that doesn't help enough.

I plan to put off surgery as long as I can."

[Woman's Voice] "I'm at the end of my rope.

I don't want to have a hip replacement ... it scares me ...

But I have tried everything ... prescription medicines ... getting more exercise ...

joint injections. I even managed to lose some weight and keep it off.

But at this point, nothing really works anymore, and the pain is wearing me out.

I want to be able to walk without every step hurting me ...

and to get a good night's sleep. I'm ready for surgery."

[Man's Voice] "I never pictured myself as somebody who would use a cane to get around ...

but it really does help take the strain off my bad hip.

I know I could have surgery to replace the hip, but my wife was diagnosed with cancer recently. I need to be there for her.

Besides, the pain isn't that bad.

I can get by all right with the pain relievers and the cane."

Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of surgery.

It's important to share those feelings with your care provider, so that the two of you can talk them over ...

combine them with the medical facts ... and choose the best treatment for you.