That may well be my long term plan, once I'm good to just wear a padded elbow cuff - then I can easily maintain a more optimal angle as well. Short term, Southwest did indeed offer me the option of an extra seat - not totally sure if this is actually a COS accommodation or just being handled as if I were traveling with an instrument, but I'm grateful either way. I'll know a lot more once I start to regain sensation and can tell what is off limits, and it's very kind of them to help me ensure that I don't do any more damage in the meantime.