Thanks for the advice, hockey dad and Bart! Not gonna lie, the anticipation scares me badly and the fear of hearing loss is enormous.m I think I can handle almost anything but permanent, severe hearing loss.

I know the pain is going to be pretty heavy, but I plan to find some way to eat (or at least liquid food) throughout. Just going to have to tough this one out -- sounds like you've toughed out worse in your day, Bart, so I'll hang in there. I'm glad I "know" people who have been on the road before me and made this work -- it gives me confidence I'll get through this.

Thanks fellas, I'll check in when I get going!

Cheers,

The Hellion