Well it seems everything is as expected from my MD appt today.   The arm pain is from inflammation, chin numbness from nerve irritation.  I am to stay off all boats, lawnmowers and farm tractors period.  I can drive a little bit to my tolerance and am still not allowed to push, pull or lift overhead anything , more than 5.   Return to work is based on FULL fusion of my neck, not  before unless it is for lite  duty only.  She even hinted that a few weeks after fusion may be given based on how  I feel.  I have x rays on or about 9/15 and a return appt on 9/22.      

Glad all is well.
 
Ya just might get a little paid river time after all

Clint, you may well be aware of this, but I'll run it by you anyway. When I've had various  strains and pulls, aches and pains I've kept fishing by going to longer, softer rods.  This spring, striper fishing ,I broke out the 11' 8 wt. when I had a shoulder and elbow that was aching like heck. You can jam the butt against your navel, keep the rod angle low, and let the rod absorb most of the shock and strain. Same can be done with a noodle rod.  Anything that gets you quicker on the water. SAFELY, that is.

I have been thinking about a longer switch rod for some time.  Would like the extra length for casting.   I was thinking, dare I say it, for it to double as pin rod if I choose to try it.  I have an 11 foot noodle that I float with that is a pretty good at soaking up (slower action right??) the fish.  I have been finding that there are a few spots on the river I really like the float rod and of course I have a freezer full of eggs to use too

As Fichy said,
When I had severe tendentious from chopping endless amounts of firewood, I could not cast a single handed fly rod with out severe pain..
I still wanted to fish so I bought a 2 handed spey.. It put me back on the water..
I will say however I hated the rod, length etc.. Once my kid (who's wood I was splitting) bought a log splitter my tendentious went away and so did the rod..
If you want to use it for the season, it's here for the taking.. It's been in a case for 3 years, not dusty or rusty but idle indeed..

Rich definitely do not want to get in the two handed casting business, I can barely cast with one.  😠   That said if the arm still bothers in the fall I may or if I decide I want to give it a try I may take you up on your offer. 

Clint , I think you might be interested in the rods carried by Skip Storch at Shu-fly.com.  I purchased an 11' 8wt this past winter and I believe Jack has the same rod.  I'm looking forward to using it this fall.  The rod is moderately priced, comes with a rod tube and lifetime warranty.  I also purchased a Max-Drag reel to match the rod.

Yes been looking at the shut fly when I heard you guys got them

Switch is just fine but with one hand its a bit --well- a bit to get used to---I love it but frankly if had an arm issue would stick to the regular fly rod or noodle.
 Spin outfit(dare I say that ) with light drag may be in order for a while Clint-hold with one hand and just work the reel with the other - orrrrr- don't fish till later no matter  how nuts ya get- HEAL COMPLETLY first.
Its a long life- don't screw yourself up for an early  fish. Take the long view.

trev, seeing how I am not s huge a salmon guy I will be tempted , but not give in.  Scouting reports may not be out of the question