i was down for a year when i shattered my heels. the biggest thing was i started feeling worthless after a few months of not working. i'd start an argument w/ jamie when she was leaving for work - really because i didn't want her to go. all i'd have to talk about when she got home was what was on tv. i've talked to a bunch of other guys who've been down for a while- and seems like we all go through it in one way or another. good luck, hope the surgery goes perfectly, and keep your head up. also, when its time to get off the pain pills - that'll beafun week of hiding behind the couch LOL, and it sounds like daveand/or i could help talk with you about it,if you need it when the time comes.