Hey Bart, hang tough buddy. At first it sounded like the tintinitis that many of us suffer from, but as I read further what you've got is much worse. If cutting the nerve is really the solution ya gotta do what ya gotta do, but you might want to get a second opinion too.

As for the weight thing, some ice cream, and ding-dongs, washed down with beer should help. Would help your spirits too!