Six months, the consultant estimates. He admitted to being puzzled. According to my scan, I ought to be in a lot more pain. Today J and I did a lap of the big lake at the country park at a decent pace and it didn’t trouble me much. We saw six grey heron. Thanks, guys, thanks for being there! 

Note added 23rd Jan: May have spoken too soon. Tried a couple of hours work on Thursday and have had three very difficult days - and nights - since.