I read with some sympathy about the guy who smashed his elbow and couldn't sail for months. I have just suffered a similar fate although my injury isn't as severe as his. I have a detatched extensor carpi longus tendon, (joins one of the muscles in your forearm to your elbow) the result of using a jack hammer in a confined space! Being operated on soon, no sailing for a few months I guess 
Hopefully be back for the summer. No work until then, and no income insurance, so no new gear for next season!!
I know what your saying, while sailing on Saturday I suffered a nasty sunburn on my balding head....ouch!
Anyways....sorry to hear your out of action, you'll be back on the water soon enough.
I buggered my back in late January 2009. After an operation in July I was back on the water in October. Fortunately for me there was not much wind during this time. Good luck with the treatment and recovery.
