Hi Celtchic.  I am SO sorry about all you've had to endure.  I just wanted you to know... I've found a few doctors who are willing to do a total hip replacement on me (both hips) for pain relief. They are out there.  Some doctors don't believe in making you wait until you're a certain age... They think it's cruel to let a person suffer like you are suffering.  I don't like the idea of getting two THRs, but there is no way I could go on... suffering like I was before a recent scope surgery, which helped, but won't help forever.  The surgeon says the procedure bought me 3-5 years before two THRs, which isn't great... because I'll be getting my first set at age 42 or so, but anything beats chronic pain... and WE DON'T KNOW  yet how long the current prosthetics will last, because they've not been around for 50 years yet. They could possibly last our whole lives... and you wouldn't need to be a wheelchair by the age of 50.   Trust me. I've considered the options for myself too... Just don't let yourself "go there."  I've decided, I'm not going to ruin my life now (not getting THRs and just suffering for another two decades) in hopes of saving my mobility when I'm 50 or 60.  Heck, I could get hit by a bus at 44, for all I know.   I've learned a lot from "Understanding FAI" on Facebook and www.hipchicksunite.ning.com.  They are very special ladies who've had problems much like ours.  On Facebook I am "Frances Scott WTVD."  I'd love to help you in any way I can (with advice, friendship, etc.) 

Children with Perthes Disease should also be checked for blood clotting disorders too.