UPDATE 6/24:
Well, I'm not quite ready to use a fly rod. I guess I was a bit too optimistic. Even though the stretching is going well, movement is still not smooth and there are some rough spots or hitches in moving that are either weak or sore or both. The doctor says my cartelige is pretty worn out and roughness in movement will always be there, but as the post-surgical inflammation clears up I shooed improve. So, ice and stretching will continue and I'll try some large smooth movements again in a few days.
And, thanks for the offer of the use of a super light bow. I have a stretch cord that I can start with, and I have a 30# Bear Polar on the rack - it is my wife's bow and the dear girl will let me use it.
I will report again in a few days. Thanks, everyone, for all of the support and good wishes.