Has anyone played as a Healer before, whether the default class or some variation?

I've never done hand to hand but I've read mixed things. How viable is combat etc?

Th default Healer looks pretty easy to play if you know the game well enough.
Absorb Health is one of the most powerful spells in the game. (Mysticism is a Major)

H2H is rather difficult to use, though. Even with the Code Patch's new option for Strength-based dmg.