Thanks, Shammy!! I did a little research online this morning, and it does appear the recovery from surgery sure ain't a walk in the pahhhk.
When I went in for Cortisone Shot #2, I asked the doc how many more shots I could get, and he said "probably only one more". Then I asked the scary question, "Then what??" His reply about the surgery being "a simple 10-minute procedure" was probably a bit of an exaggeration to calm me. People rave about this guy as being an excellent orthoepedic (sp?) surgeon, so I'd have confidence in him.
I guess right now I'll wait and see how quickly my elbow "fails" this time. Like I said, it only started acting up again this week. If it goes downhill really fast, I just might look into the surgery now. I figure although I might have to take a week or two off from work and I'll have limited use after that (for a while), I can get by with my job (type with one hand) and will just have to get creative in accomplishing the rest of my day-to-day tasks (I bet my posts will be a LOT shorter!). The tough part is that OF COURSE it's my right elbow, and I'm right-handed. Can't imagine trying to put on makeup with my left hand. Will probably need corrective eye surgery for injuries caused with by reckless use of a mascara wand.... And Rissask can just imagine the troubles I'll encounter trying to get my pantyhose on....
All in all, I know I CAN'T live with the constant pain. I will have no other option than to go under the knife. UGH.