Oh, this is not the kind of news you were hoping for but like you said, it validates what you've been suspecting. It is good the OS is honest and informing you of the risks involved (which he is supposed to do anyway.) I tend to go along with the attitude "hope for the best, prepare for the worst." Let's hope that this will be the solution to get you back to rowing. It's so hard not to be able to do the thing you love. At the same time, it can also be a great source of motivation. Wishing the best for a successful surgery and recovery. Please keep us updated.