I know that all too well. I had a complete shoulder reconstruction in 2004. They know what they're talking about. Took me about a year to be comfortable again. Still get some fatigue working over my head but I'm good.
Keep at it. Working on your truck will do more than help your physical recovery. Some of that crazy might start to go away.
Edit: You got the pictures posted while I was typing. Nice. That will be low enough for the bumper height law? Still looks to me like you're gonna be way up there. Of course, I don't know your laws, either. And does it still count if the "bumper" is a welded steel tube just as damaging to other vehicles as the frame would have been? LOL