I've been half-joking to my friends since I was 40 that I'll need a hip replacement by the time I'm 50. I'm 48 and I'm starting to take it more seriously. I have pain where the leg joins the pelvis, on the outside, right about where you'd put your hands in the pocket of jeans. It's in both sides now, and I'm wondering if it really is something that's leading to a hip replacement.

Anyone out there who's had one? I'm wondering what the signs were leading up to this, and how long before the signs lead to the actual replacement. Also interested in how it effects your cycling, but more interested in trying to determine if what I'm feeling is this or something else (I know, ask your doctor, but I like to have some idea before I talk to any professional). It's been getting worse over the last 10 years, but it's not constant, it's more of a frequent flair-up type situation.

Anyone with a story to tell?