RT I hurt all the time from many old athletic and logging injuries. I hurt even more from a days hiking the rivers. As you know also I've taken a couple of bad spills this season that just make it worse. Mainly I try to deal with it mentally...I've just gotten use to the pain as part of my life. I allow myself a couple stiff shots of the good stuff to knock the edge off....but thats dangerous also. The pills I only touch in desperation as I've been in your boat. Your best bet is good friends who'll watch out for you whatever you choose for medicine. Just be up front with them always as you'd expect them to always be with you. Try a couple of days without any artificial crutches...then maybe a week....then maybe longer. Amazing what the mental side can do about the physical side of you.

Finally...just go fishing...best medicine of all.

Gooose