SJ, where possible, I try to do that. However, there are many songs that, no matter what key you put them in or what use you make of a capo, fretted chords are necessary. BTW, using modified barres is of little help in this case. I've even tried skipping the barred chords; but the gap is far too obvious.

Nope. I'm doomed (for the moment, at least.) I'm just having a hard time coming to grips (no pun intended,) with my inability to play the songs I like. I will have to say that I am well on the way to a mend and so there is hope for a recovery. My question to the doctor will be how I might prevent future problems of this sort. However, I'm not sure that I want to hear the answer I am likely to receive!