Bob I know your pain too well!!I went through the same thing and had surgery on my back in 1987 by the seahawks doctor Pierce Scranton he did a great job!!I can pull on the sticks all day long!!But i still have pain once in a while.But Rt is right on the money about the other activities!!Im sure Fishgal will have the 12 gauge loaded a sitting by the door to keep those Swedish candy stripers and nurses out of the room!!But those sponge baths were sure nice.