Well, My favorite-est ever fortune cookie had the wise saying: "Patience is the Art of HOPING". In case you all have missed it, well, I try very hard to practice that, keep all things in perspective and try to constructively challenge my DOCS to want to DO me GOOD!.

Sounds like you may be there, tho not quite yet. Don't get down with 'setbacks', they are simply PART OF THE D****####$$$$!!! process?
The last 7 characters in that 'above' word kind of say it All?

As for the pain in the butt aspect....well, you and I are far from alone in that quarter. While there are times when the grumps make me well, beyond, I'd like to think that the pain keeps me sharper in most quarters. I keep 'coming to terms' with my pain[s], but it keeps on changing. I realize I am not a lab rat, nor a hot-house flower [incubating], I like to pretend I've a life out there, albeit different from what I'd planned or imagined. But, It is there for the TAKING! I plan on grabbing as much as my dullard fingers can hold!!!

Hugs and all the pain free moments you can stand! -- j