While there may not have been any responses, I bet my last buck that there's a lot of other folks out there that can empathize. I was pretty much out of commission for two years with a back problem. I've learned to stay away from things I can't do, like turning wrenches, and while it sucks, being able to share your experiences and knowledge with others is not so bad. Try to keep up your spirits and realize that, in the long term, relationships are far more important than anything else that you have.