Hall-of-Famer and BD columnist Nick Varner is recuperating nicely from aorta femoral bypass surgery performed on Jan. 29. Although currently in the midst of an anticipated two-month recovery, Varner hopes to return to competition as early as the BCA Open 9-Ball Championships in mid-May.

Varner was rushed to the hospital on Jan. 20 when, during a match at the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Ky., he began to have trouble staying on his feet. Doctors discovered a blockage in the major artery near his abdomen that feeds both the right and left leg.

Varner is still feeling the effects of the particularly invasive procedure, which called for temporary displacement of his intestines. “It really screws up your digestive track,” Varner said. However, all signs point to full recovery: “It looks like everything went okay.”

Doctors recommended that Varner quit smoking, and, indeed, he hasn’t had a cigarette since first entering the hospital. For the time being, he’s happy to lead a relatively sheltered life away from the poolroom while the nicotine leaves his system. He also is looking forward to April 26 — the date his wife, Toni, is expected to give birth to their first child. Best wishes from BD.