BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????

Subject: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:07 PM

Unarguably, any number of things. I have a perverse and warped sense of humor, a total commitment to irreverence, a mind that lives out where the buses don't run......fill in the blanks yourself.

However, I decided to post this after getting the 9th message asking what is the problem I have that requires some sort of surgery. Before this becomes some issue, I thought I might as well put it down here once and not repeat it over and over. Its not a big deal, but I'll give you the background and where we're at now so there's no "secret" about it. I wrote this earlier today in a responce to a PM from Brett and I reckon it tells the tale well enough.

About 4 years back, I went to the ER with severe chest pains and they were freaking out because of sounds (regurgitation) coming from the mitral valve. I was transferred to Mt. Carmel (where Karen now works) and they ran a boatload of tests. When they did the cath, they found that three arteries were completely blocked and the 4th 95% occluded also. They scheduled the bypass for the next morning. The operation went fine and although I had some arrhythmia problems, I was doing great. For about 6 months I fought that problem until they did an ablation, a laser surgery that took 5 hours, but basically stopped the irregular beat.....in my case, atrial fibrillation. I was OK til out of the blue (as many 'Catters will remember) I had the aortic aneurysm two years ago and even that wasn't out of hand as they caught it and though I came close to checking out, all worked out OK. It was vascular of course, but not related to the heart problems or the bypass.

About 6 months ago, I started having A-Fib problems again. The mitral valve is leaking and backwashing severely enough that its causing the A-Fib. We've been doing tests as we go along to determine the condition of the valve and such things. The other day I had another cath before going to a surgeon so that he'd have all the info in hand. The bypass is still as good as new, but the mitral valve needs to be taken care of. Now we get to the GoodNews/BadNews/GoodNews/BadNews part.

The bad news is the valve has to be fixed or else the heart will continue to enlarge the atrium and eventually stop. Spaw go belly up! The good news is that it appears the valve can be fixed instead of replaced, hence eliminating the need for "rejection" meds. Also good news, there are less invasive types of new surgeries to do the repair that do not involve cracking the chest and get you out in a couple of days and completely functional in about 2 weeks. The bad news is they can't generally do this on bypass patients (scar tissue), meaning they will go back into the open heart (split your sternum) method. The good news is that since the bypass is doing so well, there's a tiny (and I do mean tiny) chance that they can do the less invasive thing. The bad news is that the aneurysm makes me an even higher risk candidate. Round and round we go.........

TWO THINGS........I'm kinda' pissed over the whole thing since the valve was obviously a problem before, but after finding all the blocked arteries, it was never mentioned again. The feeling/thinking was that once the arteries were OK the valve would work well enough to last 25 years. Unfortunately, that ain't what happened, so now I gotta' do it again and I am frankly not looking forward to it. The chest cracking is bad once.....TWICE??? Geeziz, I don't feature it at all, but it beats the option.

Second, I feel great!!! If you were to meet me and go hang out or whatever, you would never know I have this problem because I appear to be the healthiest SOB you've ever met. I know I have a little less energy, but not much less and people who see me often cannot believe all this is going on. I can't either, but I feel the arrhythmias sometimes and I have seen all the neat pictures during the tests which show large quantities of blood gushing back around the valve. Its like, how can I look and feel this good and be this screwed up???? But I am.

So that's the story in a largish nutshell. I'll keep you posted on future developments!!! We will probably be moving on this before April.

Something will get me someday, but this ain't it. Don't ask how I know that, but I'm sure of it. Like I say, I feel great and I'm basically as normal as I get. I just didn't want any sillyass rumors floating about when there's no secret. I just don't talk about it much since there ain't one helluva' lot I can do about it!!! So, keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:11 PM

Damn, Spaw! By now you must own an entire wing of that hospital. Or do you get the bulk rate?

Sorry. You know if you need anything (even a heart), we will find it for you.
Love you,
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Bob Schwarer
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:23 PM

Fingers crossed. Good luck.

Bob S.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: InOBU
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:24 PM

Well, ol pal, Genie and I will light a candle for you... and as I just told my cousin Gini, going in for surgury, just think about how mundane a day's work it is for the doctor. When ever I get on a plane, I used to think about being on a little scrap of aluminium at 35,000 feet, then I got to thinking about the pilot's point of view, he is just an airborn bus driver. I hope you find that comforting and that you enjoy all the legal drugs they pump you up with after - one of the few legal trips back to the sixties.
Stay well, eat beans (good for the heart... ) and we exepect you back in perverse form sooner than latter!
Larry

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:28 PM

Thanks for letting us know Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: jeffp
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:30 PM

I'm glad to hear that you're not in immediate danger of checking out. I will, however, reserve the right to be concerned about you and pray for your well-being. You've become a good friend and I hope to meet you in person some time. Take care of yourself.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:31 PM

Spaw you take care now. But I think you did right to post we care about you.

Mind you there comes a point where you just wish folks would haud their wheesht and let you get on with life, 21st November lost my Dad, 21st December lost my Mum in law.

Ifone more person tells me how well I'm coping I might be of line for quite a long while, don't think they'll let me get mc in the jug.

Seriously though mate your an institution around here, they're even thinking of naming the padded ward after you.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:41 PM

Yeh 'spaw you're going nowhere without written permission from every mudcatter!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,LEJ
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:42 PM

Valve job, huh? Well the one I got sure made my vette run smoother, Grease.

Meet ya on the track

Blondy

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:49 PM

Pat, you know some of us pray in a way that is highly visual. The amount of detail you already gave, I am sure, can make a difference. Can you say even more about what it is about the bypass situation that makes the less-invasive fix problematic? And can you say more about just what the faulty valve does wrong in your partiuclar case, and should do right, in terms of describing the structures?

Once this is known, I would think that a single outcome prayed for in concert could do an awful lot.

IMHO.

And I'm sure you know-- anything, from me? Ask, here or via other lines of communication. Anytime, any size of need, anyway of meeting it-- YES.

And BTW-- Karen is perfectly relaxed about all of this, right? *G* And the kids? What kind of support would help them be even more OK on this?

And hey-- about that sternum split. I need some hammers made for my electric autoharp. Like a cross between a hammer dulcimer style and a long silver tea spoon. If they have to go spelunking, could you grab any leftover bone and make me a set? I been wanting to play witchoo, and I got some pretty funny stuff we could try out!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: MMario
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:49 PM

Opened this expecting either something side splittingly funny or the beginnings of another round of anonymous bashing and flames. Glad it isn't the latter, sorry it isn't the former.

I think Mrs. Duck has a pretty good viewpoint

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:56 PM

Y'all come back now, y'heah?

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:57 PM

Maybe sidesplitting is possible, as an alternative approach to get in there. But how would we all get back out?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Lox
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 02:57 PM

Sorry to hear about it dude. You are clearly a good man and don't deserve to have to put up with shit like this.

Of course you realize that this would never have become an issue if you hadn't let yourself get involved with us stress-mongers in the first place .

Get well - your heart is your most endearing facet.

lox

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:10 PM

Spaw....you know...luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Quincy
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:16 PM

All the very best....

love Yvonne

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:17 PM

You know, Praise, if they pull enough bone out of him I could use a set of bones made of real bone. My maple set is great but Spaw bones would be a neat idea! *G*

Take care of yourself old man!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: annamill
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:24 PM

LOVE YA 'SPAW!

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Kim C
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:25 PM

Spaw, aren't you kinda young to be having this kind of fun? ;)

Several family members have endured similar problems so I sorta know what it's like. Smoochie woochie to you.

KFC

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Sailor Dan working??
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:55 PM

Spaw -

I have been lurking for a long time and reading just trying to stay out of peoples way. Also to keep my big mouth shut.

You know if your gonna make this sternum splitting a habit have them put a couple of latches or a zipper in it to make it easier.

My prayers for you and the family and I know I'll be reading your remarks for sometime to come. But I hope no one gives you a laptop in the hospital bed, it will take away from your driving the nurses and doctors nuts.

All the luck and prayers my Irish ancestors can bring and give.

Sailor Dan

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: JenEllen
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 04:04 PM

And here I was thinking your heart couldn't get any bigger? *bg* Be sure and tell the surgeon to have a waste gas plug for your bum, eh? We can't have his eyes watering now, can we?? Take care, ya big lug. Big ol' smooch sent on the first easterly breeze I find.

JE

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 04:17 PM

Thanks for letting us know Spaw. When I first saw the title of the thread my reaction was "Whats RIGHT with Spaw" ?

Now my suggestion is that if there are any leftovers after the operation that they be auctioned off on the Mudcat. I'll bet there are a lot of us that want to get a shot at owning some real Spaw dulcimer hammers. Who knows maybe those leftover ribs could take care of your co-pay.

Seriously I hope you know that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of a lot of people. Creditors are like that y'know.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: CarolC
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 04:41 PM

Good luck, Spaw. Thanks for letting us know. I'll be pulling for you from my little corner of the world.

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Clifton53
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 04:49 PM

I'm pullin' for 'ya pal. No, I'm not pullin' that!!! Get your mind out of the gutter!!

Clifton

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:06 PM

Basically I'd say it's the kind of job you could tackle with the Dremel, if you had the occasion to. Straightforward enough if you know your way round.

One good thing, having been in there once, they should have a fair idea of where everything is in there.

And your big problem is going to be the one Bill Sables had with his crash - they'll tell yoy that you'd best not laugh for a while once it's done. And then you'll start reading the threads on the Mudcat...And the get-well messages.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:06 PM

Good luck, 'Spaw. Let the Doctors do their work and we'll send as much positive energy in your direction as we can. Get healthy, will you? You're extremely valuable, you know.

JIM B.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:10 PM

Friendly reminder:
DON'T SNEEZE!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,khandu
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:11 PM

My dear Asshole of Ohio, Mississippians do not like to get pissed off! So don't go pissing me off. You won't like me when I'm pissed off. So ye damned well better not go belly up, aye gonnies!

Good attitude there, old Spaw. This ain't gonna get you! Whatever your beliefs (or non-beliefs), I'm am gonna be talking hard, hot and heavy to the One I believe in on your behalf. My heart is with you, my dear Spaw. You are a treasure to me and many, many others.

Keep your bucket balanced, and your chin up.

And, aye god, keep us updated!

khandu

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Giac
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:18 PM

Love ya, Spaw, and love to Karen and the youngsters.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:21 PM

Spaw, instead of doctors, why not try the Mudcat Precision Dremel Team?
All the best to you.
-JoeBro-

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Gervase
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:23 PM

Bloody heck, Spaw, I can't understand how a heart as big and splendid as yours can keep going wrong. Were you conceived on a Friday afternoon or summat? Keep your pecker up and your ticker ticking over - and we'll keep rooting for you.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:30 PM

Spaw, when I first joined Mudcat back in Nineteen-ought-Ninety-Nine, you were one of the first to give me a warm welcome. I really appreciated that, and still do.

Can't say as I'm very fond of hospitals, as I've had my share of them, but they do a pretty fair job of keeping the old bod glued together when necessary.

Hang in there, and keep us posted.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:36 PM

THIS JUST IN...Canadian Folksinger to perform mitral valve repair surgery in Ohio. It was announced early this morning that Rick Fielding, a folk singer from Toronto, is preparing to tackle the daunting job of repairing the mitral valve of a US citizen, Pat "Catspaw" Patterson. When we spoke to him, Fielding said "Well, if I can figure dry wall out, this oughtta be a cinch. Spaw's a pal, and I want to help." Mr Patterson was unavailable for comment after hearing the news, although he only took out a small table lamp when he went down, and should be regaining conciousness at any moment.

Spaw, we love you.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Helen
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:43 PM

Joe,

I think you are on to something here. The Mudcatters can all pitch in and do virtual reality surgery on 'Spaw. what a riot!

In fact, I just heard on the news this morning that some mad scientist has invented a cyber equivalent of a plastic woman which can be given specific instructions by someone over a computer connection while the person is having sex with the doll. Scary!

If they can do that, and if they have invented long-distance robot controlled surgery then can be in there and paddling around with 'Spaw's heart, blood, sternum, etc etc. Woo-hoo!

But seriously, 'Spaw (oops, just typed Spay by mistake - Freudian slip??) you know I love you and one day we are actually going to meet in the world-which-passes-for-reality, so no checking out without my permission, you hear?

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 05:52 PM

I can see it now..Dr. Fielding attending...

"well, spaw...if I hold the artery like this...with a barred "F" fingering, I can use the Dremel with the other hand, and with this cross-picking technique that I 'think' I've figured out from my Norman Blake records, I can re-configure that valve in no time...and I have this extra sheetrock mud to patch 'round the rough spots"

Gawd, it's good to have talented friends!!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,aRT tHIEME (gUEST AGAIN)
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:07 PM

Pat, These little speed bumps do get tedious, don't they. (That's a statement, not a question.) Do well, sir. Our thoughts are with you.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Max
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:13 PM

Spaw, if I had an extra heart, I'd give it to you. You can't check out yet, I haven't given you a real hug yet. So hang in there till I can get to Ohio and kick you in the ass in person. Love you and yours. Stay positive man, you know that's more than half the battle.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:28 PM

Hey groupp, thanks a lot and I will let you know when we get to this thing......Like I said, probably within the next couple of months, but I feel great right now. You're right too Art as you know....gets teedjus.

To answer a few other questions, Kim, yeah I may be a little young for all of this but look at how much more time I get to enjoy the medical technology! I mean, what's the use of having some fancy ass operation when you're 92? But as the old saying goes, if I'd known I was gonna' live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself.

The medical end? Well, the bypass does not use the same setup you were born with but uses other attaching points including the chest wall which causes scar tissue to form around the old sites and also the new ones. Not a problem unless you have to go back in. The vavle itself is like a multi-part flap, sealing in the middle. The flaps are controlled by string like pieces which are prone to stretch as are the flaps. Blood backs up into the atrium and the lungs and causes congestive heart failure or clots and then passes the clot somewhere nasty! This is controlled by taking thinners like Coumadin (which I do) until the problem is fixed.

I like the Dremel idea, but somehow I'd prefer someone other than Brother Fielding manning the sucker. Rick's a great picker, but someone with a bit more Dremel skill would be nice.

Hey Blondy........I'm gonna' put a few touches on the Chev before I go in and I think I'll actually have her painted while I'm gone......something in a flame job maybe. Maybe we'll run the curve again...........Grease

Thanks again for all the great thoughts folks.....I'll keep you informed as the time comes up. I just didn't want this getting spread around as something more serious or mysterious.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:30 PM

I know we can count on Mbo to handle the Sawzall too, and to run the tunes in the OR. (NOT gonna make a joke about Oaszak, NOT gonna.... oh crap!)

Naemanson, look, what you gotta do is this. Send YOUR set of bones to SPAW so they can use those to prop him open and get the good stuff out for us. Then later when they need some stock from which to fashion a set of buttplugs (size varying with certain circumstances), your bones can do the honors.

Spaw, you better get some of these opportunities boiled down to put in the Mudcat Testimonials thread. And obviously, you are an inspiration to us all-- why, just look what's been said so far!

Hmmm. I think I'll get Hardi praying for you too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: flattop
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:38 PM

Well, Spaw, I hope that you get as much of the good news as possible, some even better new than you expected, and none of the bad.

Wishing you thunder fortune from Orillia and McGill Country,

david

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:38 PM

Someone put on the boiling water...we need towels , we need a Dremel and a Black and decker. Jeri , I know you can assist , please scub up.

Pull yourself together Dr Fielding , your his only chance.......

You will be fine Mr Catspaw we have the best musicians available....

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,chanteyranger
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 06:55 PM

Have they tried injecting vegemite? That should send any blockage out the back door.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Banjer
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 07:07 PM

'Spaw, do ye reckon while there in there they could harvest a little of the gut? I mean hell, from your pictures you wouldn't miss a little bit and I could be the first in my neighborhood to have honest to goodnes Catgut strings on my banjo!!! Damn whatta oppurtunity......Please..??? But, really all seriousness aside...do keep us posted!!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Bugsy
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:03 PM

Spaw, the description of your complaints makes my heart problems sound rather piddly. I hope all goes well for you, and that maybe, one day we can sit together over a beer and compare notes, (and scars maybe)

Cheers my friend

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: little john cameron
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:04 PM

Welcome tae the Aneurysm club Pat.Three years ago ah fell aff the roof an ended up wi a RUPTURED aneurysm.The next thing ah know it's twa months later.Turns oot the aneurysm must hae been there aw the time.Lucky ah wis at hame an near the hospital,lucky the ambulance made it in time,lucky the ER doc diagnosed it richt an lucky the surgeon did a guid job.There were a wheen o compictions efter that like a blood clot an they had tae go in again.
Then a stroke whaur they said a micht hae brain damage[that is still an option].Then tae tap it aw aff, ah get oot o the hospital a month later and stert tae hae PANIC attacks.Actually,they were the worst.It took a lang time afore they figured oot whit wis up wi me.
The best thing aboot the hale thing wis the dope.BRILLIANT.tOO BAD THEY STOPPED GIE-IN ME IT EFTER AH STERTIT TAE COME ROON.SO there ye pal!Lot's o fun.
Guid luck son,
O aye an the wee nurses lookin efter ye is a bonus. ljc

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Seamus in alaska
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:11 PM

Spaw, any chance of them videotaping the procedure. Then you could have copies made, and sell them in the Mudcat auction to raise funds for your coming-out party, so to speak. That could be more popular than the Mudcat calendar!Get well soon, Pat.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: ddw
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:16 PM

OK, Spaw, here's the deal. Checking out is not even up for consideration. I'm gonna be heading down I-77 or I-71 sometime in the not-to-distant future and you're gonna be verticle to swap some tunes with me, right? Right!

Yeah, yeah — I know. You may be twice my size, but you get me riled, boy, and you'll think you're on the business end of a stepped-on rattler. You check out before I get there and I'll dig you up and do some REAL damage.

Seriously....

Been part of the way there, friend, so I know a little of what you're going thru. Pullin' for ya!

david

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:21 PM

...you must feel like I do about the medical technology, Pat. I am so grateful that Dr.'s can do what they are doing. I went blind in both eyes years ago from cataracts and without lens implants I would have no eyesight. And thanks for putting in a plug for me on the photos thread. Maybe now I'll get some action down here....*wink* harp

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 08:33 PM

Spaw,

Sounds like you've got things under control. Glad to hear it. That attitude of your's is priceless.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Troll
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:11 PM

'Spaw, keep 'er between th' ditches, Bro and keep th' greasy side down and you'll do OK.
Th' way gas prices are goin', we need all of our natural resources in A-1 shape.

troll

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Banjer
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:17 PM

Troll, which natural resource are you refering to? The production of natural gas is at an all time high...If we could just keep 'Spaw from lightin' a match to it and makin' a natural spectacle of himself......BRRRRRRIPWHOOOOOOOSH

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Robo
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:27 PM

Best of luck with it, Spaw. We're pulling for ya here in Denver, too. I sure appreciate your attitude, and that will take you a long way.

Rob-o

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: KT
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:30 PM

Looks like we're joining hearts and hands across the globe for ya, Spaw. Rest well, in knowing that. Love, KT

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:35 PM

"What's Wrong With Spaw"????

NUTHIN' that a little plumbing work and a bottle of Bean-O won't fix!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:39 PM

You will pull through all right Spaw ( Only the good die young ) . Best of luck, I am sure you will be OK.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: sophocleese
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:42 PM

Thanks for letting us know what's been going on Spaw. You may be too sore to laugh for awhile afterwards but have fun laughing a lot before and we'll all be laughing with you.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Tinker
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:49 PM

Not much left unsaid here, but I'll keep thoughts and prayers headed your way.

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 09:57 PM

OOooo,,been out of town most of the day, and this is what I come home too!! Crock o'doodle, ifn ya ask me. Big hugs and blessings, spaw. Stay well.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 10:00 PM

I love you so much Pat. You are going to do just fine. See the doctors are very smart. They know you have one humungously big heart. Your not going anywhere. I have a Catspaw deluxe special edition custom made hug on credit coming to me. I think it is about time I come down there and get my goods.

Love Bonnie

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 10:22 PM

I'm rooting for you Spaw. (Now all you Aussies, it doesn't mean that where I come from!)

You're right, there's no bloody way your going to check out for a long time. It may take me a while, but I want to meet you in the real world too. At my rate of getting things done and promises kept, you may have to hang around for a very long time! I think if I could manage a visit in the near future, I would still probably have to be equipped with golf diapers, lest I embarrass myself from laughing. You are truly gifted in that area kind sir.

Spent some time in day surgery with me auld Mum today and your also right, there are better places in the world to be, especially when you seem to be feeling good and healthy. It must make all the fuss seem a trifle unreal. Take care.

Love and best wishes from and Susan and Jim Grieve.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 10:31 PM

Okay, I have an idea, let's all write to his surgeons beforehand, let them know what we expect and that we'll send um...Vinnie, yeah that's right, Vinnie down to break their legs if they don't do it right! No, wait a minute, that's too much vinegar!

We'll write to them, extoll the virtues of Spaw and promise them each an all expenses paid vacation to the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed when they get done doing a bang-up job, 'cause they're gonna need it!

Spaw, come hell or high water, I am going to get there this spring, before or after, whichever, to see you and my son!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 10:52 PM

Keep us posted Spaw, we'll do anything we can to help. (well, almost anything.) Luvya.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Poo-Twa
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:20 AM

Spaw- Remember to cough and deep breathe, OK? BG. Thinking of you, BlueJay

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mark Clark
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:37 AM

Spaw, My thanks as well for letting us know. Hope everything goes well.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:01 AM

Listen Patterson, I go out of town for a bit, spend my friggin' 50th birthday in a ferblictica hotel room, Art turns me down for dinner while I was in Chitown, THE FAIR ONE has gone incommunicado and that friggin' Alan of Oz has seen her picture in all of her scantily clad elegance, the cat ate the hamster.............................and now this shit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would you give me a gawdamn break already?????????? Time for a trip to Awhier to give you the aul Big Mick Lane sex talk if you don't straighten your shit up.

And I love you and will pray for you steady.

Back to the road.
<
Mick

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Peg
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:15 AM

good luck Spaw! Keep us posted on the date of your procedure and my coven will send you some energy...the good kind. :)

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:23 AM

Spaw had a baby by kat/katlaughing? How and where did he fit THAT in? No wonder he got strange food cravings!

Kat, apparently there is a lot more to these Mudcat dyads than I knew. Better fill me in quick, before I go wrong!

*G*

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wildlone
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:35 AM

Hang on in there you mad bugger!!
you are needed to inject a little sanity into some of the posts on mudcat,
Love dave, another mad bugger!!

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 03:47 AM

Fear not, boss, we've just bought a Dremel for the NYCFTTS and Hiroshi can't wait to try out the surgeon's kit he got in his Xmas stocking so just pop over here smartish and we'll give you the staff discount.
RtS(but serious good wishes as well!)

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 04:05 AM

Spaw, you're convinced that you'll not end up 'belly up' from this. The bad news is that you might be mistaken, the good news is that you'll never know then.

More seriously, having a positive outlook as you have makes it much more probable that you'll be proved right. I dearly hope so.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 04:25 AM

Spaw - good luck and all the best. Take care,
Fibs

(p.s. don't make them laugh TOO much in there - the doctor's will need steady hands, remember!)

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,micca at work
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 06:32 AM

Spaw, I have nothing to add, but you know how we feel about our own, we are pulling for you , now and at the time, The NYCFTTS Center surgery team wont need a gas passer for the op as they have the master of this arcane art on the table. Love to karen and the boys(Esp. the OTHER MP)

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 06:36 AM

Hey Spaw,

You know I'm a dab hand with the Dremel and I'm in the medical technology field too. Nothing wrong that a few Brazilian rosewood cleats, some good quality hide glue, a couple of bone nuts and some Elixirs can't fix. I have the flexible Dremel attachment and the routing apparatus to hand and plenty of clamps.

Seriously man, you have my very best regards and good luck wishes in this. All power to you and your family.

Thinking about you.

mcmoo

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 09:42 AM

Spaw,

Geez, I thought someone was picking a fight with you so I didn't even venture into this thread until this morning when I was feeling rather bemused, and Holy Crow what do I find but it's your thread!

Man, I'm sorry to hear about all this complicated stuff in your life, but somehow I think you're right that it will be something else altogether which gets you.

Around here they say to "keep your stick on the ice" and things will go well. Thanks for sharing your concerns with us, that way can can hope for you.

Keep your stick on the ice. Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 09:55 AM

Keep your stick on the ice.

That sounds painful...

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 10:17 AM

Esp. if it's one so long and heavy he has to use a tripod to prop iit up!! **BG**

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,emily b
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 10:55 AM

Hey Spaw,

My mother-in-law has had 3 bypass operations. The 3rd one at 77. Nobody told her to stop eating grease... A year and a half later, she's doing great.

I'm sorry to hear you are having to undergo this, but with such a great attitude you have toward life, you'll come through just fine. More good news is that you have plenty of warning about this and won't have to go the ER route.

Wishing you all the best over the next few months, through the surgery and recovery.

Emily

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 11:20 AM

Of course, the best incentive I know for getting through this in good spirits would be-- just think about all the great sex, once you're patched up right and proper!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:01 PM

Um...it's a reference to playing hockey...Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Bert
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:01 PM

Hi Spaw ol' fella. - Oops! sorry, Hi Spaw young fella. I don't think that a Dremel tool will do the job. We're going to need to rent a jack hammer to get through that old hide of yours.

Keep yer chin up guy, and let me know if you need anything.

See you at the Getaway in the fall.

Luv ya,

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:31 PM

Again there gang....thanks! I'm not worried here, just ain't lookin' forward to another chest cracking! But EMILY----Your mom-in-law must not mind huh? Geez...three times. I was hoping that once was enough!

AND LITTLE JOHN CAMERON----You and I have a lot more in common than I thought. We could have an interesting poker game......."I'll see your dissecting aneurysm and raise you a ruptured one."...."Oh yeah, well, I'll call your stroke and raise you a bypass."..........We have some other things in common too and now it makes me wonder-----Do 'Vettes and motorcycles cause cardiovascular problems?" If so, what's the point of a helmet?.......And I'm with you on the drugs!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Bert
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:35 PM

I would be more inclined to ask - 'Do cardiovascular problems cause language problems?' - Both you guys seem to have a unique way with words. ;-)

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: LR Mole
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 12:54 PM

All best, sir. Prayers yer way.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:07 PM

O you of double names, I'm sorry to hear that you need this done, but it sounds like they know what to do. As you say, it beats the alternative. Please get this done, take a long leisurely time to recover (partial joke here) and then STAY healthy for a while. BTW-- you and i have something else in common if you recall, admiration of Maj. Gen. George Thomas. . . for some reason this morning (very boring meeting) I tried to sketch what might have happened if he had gone South. I see him as a corps commander in the Army of Northern Virginia (instead of Longstreet?) . . .but didn't get any further. What I'm trying to do here (pay no attention to the man behind the curtain) is give you something to think about other than your upcoming surgery. I will pray for you. PETE

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:13 PM

Mooh, we know, were just turning into a pun of Spawdimensions. Sorry...

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Morticia
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 01:42 PM

Dear Uncle Pat,sorry you are having to go through this crap stuff again....but as you point out, it beats the beejayzuz out of the alternative.Anything we can send you to while away those boring re-coup hours when you go in? Jar of marmite? Jigsaw puzzle version of the Mudcat calendar? A tiple? You name it, we'll try to find it!
much love
Terri

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Melani
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 03:00 PM

A set of Spawbone dulcimer hammers sounds intriguing, but I bet they would play funny...Make sure the Dremel team fixes it right this time.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: GUEST,Bob Schwarer
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 03:55 PM

A Dremel won't do the job. Gonna need a chain saw. A lot quicker too.

Bob S.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 04:06 PM

And all the Mudcat ladies can have a quilting party around his bed. We'll put him together with style. Pattern? Your choice, Spaw. How about the Mudcat logo in shades of blue and green? While we're at it, we can corn row your chest hair and ...whatever. Just something to keep your mind off the surgery.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 04:11 PM

I know Catspaw, if Karen doesn't mind, I'll get one of those nurses outfits. You know, the white ones with the short skirt and stiff hat. The kind the guys seem to like so much. I'll tend to you like a nurse would. Give you a scrub down. Get the okay from Karen to do the private parts and all.
Anything for you Pat,

Little Neo

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 05:19 PM

Sheetfar Bub........Thizzeer hospital trip is startin' to sound GOOOOOOD!!!!

But Pete, I don't think I can keep my mind on George Thomas (how would he have reacted at Peterburg...or Gettysburg...as a commander under Lee?) with all this quilting and Bonnie's washdown and all!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 05:54 PM

AWWWWWWWW, JJEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZ, 'SPAW!!! This has been a helluva week for me in the ailing-friends department. Will you just cut it out, ok? Get the frigging surgery over with and get the !@#$%^$#!!&!!! better, ok??
Sorry. You're just the third in a row this week- one friend with breast cancer, another dead with an unpronounceable muscular disorder. YOU have to get better fast, to even the keel.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 06:05 PM

That's a deal Allison my friend.......I'm very sorry to hear about your friends. Seems like things come up in bunches sometimes. Love ya'.....Have a hot soak and put on those warm looking socks you got for Christmas.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Dave Swan
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 07:00 PM

Oh, sooo many things, and so little band width. A regrettable prediliction toward flatulence (also lying about it, blaming the nearest kid, dog or wife; worshiping it in song and story; devoting hours to finding the most descriptive spelling of it; searching for the definintive recipe to produce it; sniggering about it like a thirteen year-old and infecting everybody around him), a unhealthy fixation with inflicting barotrauma in small primitive marsupials, questionable fashion sense.

But, what's right with the boy? He's got a heart like a lion (current structural problems aside), the loyalty of a badger, the playfulness of an otter, the wisdom of an elephant.

He's a hell of a guy, our 'spaw. He ain't right, but he's ours and we love him. Any time spent with him is good time.

So, ol' buddy, get this warranty work done, and be well.

Remember that the health benefits at Lane, Fielding, Patterson & Swan, Layabouts at Large, entitle you to unlimited Swedish massage, Hindo-Japanese bed baths, and Micronesian cocoanut and guava pulp emollient soaks. Really, I looked it up.

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 08:25 PM

I didn't have time to read all 94 entries here, but from speed reading I surmise that Spaw's heart on has gotten too big and he plans to have a reduction performed by Dr. Fielding with a Dremel tool.
The end result seems desirable, as many Mudcatters are lining up to give him hugs and are presently unable to do so because of the size of the member, er, membership, but the method seems extreme. There must be some homeopathic way to wear the thing down naturally. Maybe if you pretend it's a genie's lamp and make lots and lots of wishes...
(But seriously, Pat, thanks for letting us know what's up.)

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 09:05 PM

Well, Pat, Mudcatters are the best, aren't they?! Make me cry and laugh out loud, what images their words conjure in my mind!

LilNeo, don't forget to wear the white socks. I'll bet he means bobby socks like the old fogeys wore when they were kids in the fifties!!

And, Sinsull, that jigsaw of the Mudcat calendar...would that be one of those new 3-D types, soft, touch sensitive and all? Whoo boy!

Allison, sorry to ehar about your other friends. Spaw's got the right idea about those snazzy socks you got...comfort socks is what they look like. Here's a {{{{BIG HUG}}}} for you, darlin'...luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: alison
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 05:31 AM

I'm with Max on this one.. you aren't going anywhere until I get a hug in person.... and let's face it.. I don't live just around the corner so that hug is a LONG way off.....

love

alison

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 11:41 AM

When I first saw the title of this thread, my first thought was to log on and post the question:

"What ISN'T wrong with him???" Ha! Ha!

Then I saw what it was about. Well, all I can say is...good luck, my friend. We are all thoroughly enjoy knowing you and are beside you in spirit if not in flesh.

Best wishes,

Little Hawk

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 11:43 AM

Well gawd knows I'd like to be hugged down under, so to speak. And I'm glad to hear the firm has some kind of health plan that includes Swedish massage! Who got off their ass and signed us up?

Catters are special people and I thank you all once again.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: R!
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 03:14 PM

I'm sending you all the healing energy and good wishes I can muster. Reen

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From:
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 03:38 PM

Spaw thtas a lot of shit to have on your plate everyday, You're a tough cookie to have come this far and as you say it won't get you. All the best of love and luck

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: JenEllen
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 03:48 PM

Well, if Rick gets to do the surgery, can I at least assist? 'Spaws big and furry and somewhat housebroken....it'd be jes like another day at the office!!

~JE

Subject: RE: BS: What's Wrong With Spaw????
From: InOBU
Date: 19 Jan 01 - 04:23 PM

OK Spaw - no screw ing with the doctor's head... like shaving your head before the opporation and pointing at the noggin saying, I'm all ready for ou to start doc...
You don't want the bugger starting to laugh in mid op.
Also, and most important. NO BEANS FOR A WEEK before the opperation.
Now, if the address they give you for the hospital, turns out to be an Aztec temple...
get a second oppinion.
Get well soon, ol'chum.
Larry