Well, with all the bad news, I'm pleased to give y'all some good news on my part. Saw my hernia surgeon today and got the all clear to resume a normal life. I'm still having some soreness at the incision sites, but the repair seems solid. I passed the old turn your head and cough test with flying colors. Up until now I've been limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds. Celebrated by opening my garage door for the first time in six weeks and lowering a few bikes off the ceiling hooks. The whole deal cost me less than $230 out of pocket for copays; God Bless Medicare !