Oh, Paul, I am very sorry to hear that, too. My condolences.

Abby, thanks. I am sure you are right. Another thing I did was take a framed picture collage of my family with my "slogan" "In the Pink...On the Road to Wellness" printed at the top. I had it next to my bed where I would see it whenever I needed/wanted to. When they'd come in to ask me how I was, I tried to remember, despite pain or whatever, to say "IN the Pink!" They didn't know how to respond, but by the time I left they all seemed to think it was kind of neat AND the cardiologist got a kick out of hearing about all of my girlfriends who wore pink underwear the day of my surgery, as well as what some of the Mudcatter guys did in the interest of Pink that day!**bg**

Sometimes, I think a doc needs a bit of arrogance, esp. a surgeon. NOT towards the patient, in a condescending way, but in general about what they do as I think it signals a sort of supreme confidence, which, let's face it, one would need if one is cut open someone's sternum, spread their ribs, slice open their heart and work on it. My surgeon was not so much arrogant and supremely confident with a touch of kindly paternalism, which usually pisses me off, but in the instance I was glad of it and his reputation for being one of the best. I'm just glad to know they didn't leave any instruments, etc. behind!

My best to Ancient Spouse and you in the next round. Please keep us informed and maybe you should consider and advocate for yourself, or at least someone to vent to during your championing for AS...of course, Mudcat is a good palce to do that, but I hope you have someone you can rant to by phone or in person, too...a willing friend, etc.

luvyakat