Thanks for the support guys. I should be back at work next Monday, in the meantime I should be able to sneak on a little bit each day. Fortunately I was saved by the sit-ups I do every night. It seems that whilst they haven't made me LOOK much nicer, they'd strengthened my stomach enough to save any serious damage from being done. Fortunately the blade missed anything serious, although that doesn't stop it hurting like a painfull thing! My shoulder however is another story. When they stabbed my, it took a bit of a jerk for him to get the blade out again. It appears that this jerk was due to the fact that the blade was lodged in the socket. Apparently there is some nerve damage, though not too serious, it's going to mean a lot of physio work. I should have full use back in about 3 months. In the meantime, I won't be able to feel any pain in my arm, and the movement will be restricted. Thanks for the thoughts. Mike PS: Thanks for the implants too!