It went better than I expected, but it wasn't great. I had a full-body patdown at the St. Louis airport because I told TSA I wouldn't be able to lift my left arm. The woman who did it was very professional but it was quite invasive. It is so silly to think that this 62 year old with greying hair would ever be considered a threat by TSA but that's the world we live in post-911.

I basically took as many painkillers as I needed to that day, so I was a bit zoned out - it was the only way to do it. By the 2nd flight from Minneapolis to Albuquerque I was just really, really dying to be home.

Of course since yesterday went so well, I am paying for it today. Recovery is going to exactly like that - two steps forward, one step back. I am mentally prepared.