I do have a brace and have worn it rarely since the surgery, but with comfort. So you're right, Folk, I should resurrect it (I'd not thought of that) and try it out for car rides. Anything else? The issues are: plane, incredibly bumpy car rides and jeep rides, and maybe canoeing if I can figure this out enough. I have zero endurance, so I can't do anything with too much walking (this is all deconditioning from NOT EXERCISING in 2 years), but I'd like to see the sights.

Please, keep sending ideas.