Thanks for the update! I have a similar history as you (quit at 39, now 27 mo sober, and 10 or so years of abuse) and it took me quite a while to heal as I was very sick when I quit. Pretty much everything (maybe more!) that PAWS often entails.
You are right- we just have to keep going. Even with the physical (not to mention mental and emotional) ups and downs, it WILL get better the longer we are in recovery.
Keep going!