Carl, you are teaching me to never complain about my job. At times I may have long hours, but the true torture sessions are few and far between. On the other hand, you are supposed to work long hours, and it sounds like pain is a regular companion. You have our empathy and concern...
A friend had a recovery with some similarities. He developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This is a rapidly paralyzing neurologic condition which can be fatal or can leave the patient with paralysis. One day you are fine; the next day you cannot move, and breathe with a ventilator. He was fortunate enough to survive, with a recovery that included PT, OT, and exercise that was intensive and often painful. A major issue was the muscle atrophy and subsequent joint deformity from the paralysis. He has some relatively mild disability now, but is nearly totally functional. Hopefully you can achieve the same.
I bring this up because we know your "new job" is a painful one, but there is hope that the outcome will be favorable.
