If you are comfortable with the bar height you have, get the reach sorted out so you aren't stretched out too far, or bunched up from a too short stem. You probably have things right when you mentioned your conditioning, and getting used to the drop bar set up. After what you just had to go through with your thing injury, you are probably still not in great condition, especially your core strength. Miles will bring you along to a state where you are better able to deal with the position. Please get that leg 100% before you do any big increases, or some harsh mashing, Gerry.

The great majority of my riding is on the hoods, as tsl and several others indicated, with having the fit dialed in now, arm problems have not been an issue for me in quite a while. I'm fortunate that things weren't difficult to dial in for me, no real anomalies in my physiology, thnkfully. Best of luck on that hoped for tour, it sounds like a great time to me.

Bill