Hello and a tardy Welcome. Please excuse this tardy reply. We have some members that haven't able been able to participate in the community recently. I'm apologize.
So please catch me up. I hope you are still monitoring this site. Have you seen the Orthopedist? - If so what suggestions did he offer you?
You have more medical issues on your plate than anyone your age should have to juggle. My son was diagnosed (DX) with a similar condition - Ulcerative Colitis at age 12.
We were warned that an Inflammatory Bowel Disease could effect the joints and organ. Reactive Arthritis is one of the conditions they quoted. Is that the type of Arthritis. Is that your DX?
I agree that 21 seems like a very young age to require a hip replacement. Have they suggested injections of products into the hip that may help. An intra-articular injection with glucocorticoids may be beneficial.
We all know about steroid injections but there are newer products available.
Viscosupplementation is a term used to describe the injection of lubricants that are synthetic forms of synovial fluid into an arthritic joint, including the hip. One site claims this fluid mirrors healthy, cushioning joint fluid. It can mimic the functioning of your fluid in years past, and has also been shown to help protect against further cartilage damage.
"Joint Replacements" use to have a life of 10-15 years - now those statistics have improved as the "joints" have improved.
Educate yourself. I'd get more than one opinion. You are so young sweetie. I'm hoping there are good options for you.
I encourage you to post in our Orthopedic Community - Crohn's and our Gastroenterology Groups. I've provided the links below:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Crohns-Disease---Ulcerative-Colitis/show/178
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Orthopedics/show/60
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Gastroenterology/show/68
Good luck and please update us. I'll watch for your post.
Best Wishes,
~Tuck