Bob, I know how much you love to play, so I hate to hear you're having problems. Please hang in there and don't let 'em tell you you're damaged forever. You have treatment options; explore them and make informed decisions.

Music is in the heart and soul -- even if you can't play for a while, the music won't leave you. But I think the suggestion to switch guitar hands is valid. It may be a while before you recover your left hand, and playing left handed might be a good activity to keep your skills welll lubricated and learn some new ones.

Let us know how you are and how your surgery went.