@suzfuse46 Thank you Sue. I also have a video of me painting the portrait which you might enjoy. You can access it on this page of the Art for Healing discussion. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/art-for-healing/?pg=29

I was 11 months post op at the time and getting it done in time for my one year follow up. This was my first post op painting and I had set the bar pretty high for myself. When you are ready, I'll certainly copy Dr. Fogelson on everything you have written and see what he says. I certainly understand your concerns and it is good that you are advocating for yourself and looking for the best possible solution instead of settling for what your surgeon proposed. I'm glad I didn't have surgery with a surgeon who would not listen and offer choices to me. My physical therapist has recommended several patients to Dr. Fogelson because of my experience and he has helped them all.