Thanks for the welcomes everyone. I havent checked into the forum in a few days, sorry. Between work , life and picking at the guitar I have ben rather busy.
Well I feel like I am doing OK, but that is about it. I am having real problems with that shortened finger. So much so that I brought a bass home from work yesterday just to see if that feels better. I will give it a try for a few days and make a decision on what rout I should go. If the bass is easier on my hand I may just go that route first.

Thanks again for the warm welcomes all.
JB