~There Has To Be A Better Way~

I, at one time,had faith in our medical community. I knew in my heart that they either would, or did, do anything that was within realms of possibilities for them to do.In this process of arrainging this gastric by-pass surgery for me, I have learned a lot of lessons. Sadly none of them have given me much hope for myself or any of you out there that are facing a medical problem yourselves.
For you folks who have been kind enough to read my postings. You know that my next and final step prior to surgery was a psycological evaluation to see if in fact that I am doing this "for the right reasons." I understand that weighing nearly 400 lbs and being only 5`6" tall may NOT be clue enough for someone who is a true medical professional,so rather than making a error in judgement and passing me on through, I was in fact required to see "Da Shrink" That meeting, although a major farce, and a collosal waste of my time, and money, went as well as could be expected. She decided that I was in fact moral enough to sit on the group "W" bench with all the other mother killers and father rapers, and passed me with flying colors.
And heres the rub Horatio.........I waited four days before I called for a additional appointment with the surgeon prior to surgery. I called the main office and attempted to set it up with no success. I was told my case was refered to another physcian who was a "specialist" in the type of by-pass surgery that I required and was given her number and told to call them. Needless to say I complied and reached her secretarys voice mail. She left a lovely electronic message on her voicemail that more or less wanted to know all my particulars and only simply stated that she was either away from her desk or on another line and that she would get back to me.
Not wanting to blow up her voicemail, I waited the rest of the day for her to return my call. Mind you this is a call from a "sick" patient. I also waited all of the next day and the next. I, at that point, placed another call and finally got.....................SUPRISE.....her voice mail. I left still another message and she in-fact called back.Our conversation went something like this.......I see you had your psyc evaluation here a few days ago and everything is fine with that BUT (and that is a big ol butt you got there) I need you to get a lot of other testing done prior to seeing the doctor. I replyed....What do you mean? I have been examined ,poked,prodded, turned inside out, put in so much stress as to nearly have a heart attack to proove I am fit enough to have this surgery, and now you want "a lot" more testing. Well sorry sir but these things need to be done first. I said ok what are these things. She stated ....blah blah blah I replyed with those results have been forwarded to your office a week or so ago. My family physcian had all those tests done in preperation for this and I was there last week and asked him to forward all the results to your offices. She states....I am sorry sir but there is nothing here. I say ok I will call my family physcian and see what is going on.
I call his office talk to the chief flunky he has there and she tells me no it hasn`t been sent but she will do it right now. I supply her with the fax number for the appropriate office and I stupidly take her at her word. I wait three days and call Miss voiemail again after three days of getting her recorded messages she finally comes through and calls me back. Tells me she still has not recieved anything but after speaking with my family physcian they will not be able to send her ALL of the test results. I will after all this, have to either retest or somehow aquire the test results my self and hand carry them to her office . She then proceeds to tell me that sometime late next week she will call me and tell me what she has and what I still need to accomplish my self. I am sure this will take another two months to accomplish and then depending on the surgeons schedule I may in fact get this surgery by somtime next year. Providing I live long enough. If I do die before then I hope she buys a new Jaguar and has trouble making the payments because she is short my surgery fee.

Terror is Dead-------------NOT

For all of you whiners and complainers out there look no further that todays main stream media news reports and see that there has been multiple arrests and more pending. Who you might ask? Al Quada memebers. They figured no one could get through airline security carrying a bomb or a weapon BUT perhaps if 5or 6 or whatever the number, would each carry a small disguiseable segment of a bomb, perhaps they could actually pull it off.
Look around you people. Chances are that someone you know or knew has been affected by a act of terror. We must not falter, we must not hesitate. This particular caldren of evil was stirred up in Pakistan. All of these occurances originate somewhere in the Mid East,and yet you folks keep asking why are we there?
You would be better off understanding that this is a war. Not one like your used to, but still all in all, a war. Back in the Revolutionary war the bad guys wore red coats and marched in a straight line. We wore buckskins and hid behind trees. The face of war has totally changed. Today it may be a little boy your children are playing with or a eldely lady who just got on the bus or a couple of truckers who passed you on the freeway not ten minutes earlier. We can't know who they are or what they look like. That is why it is important that your gov. has powers that you think may be out of the ordinary. They don`t want us, they want the bad guys and hopefully this will help them get them. We can't back off, or withdraw, untill the job is done. Regardless of the cost. If we do, it will be here before you know it.

~UPDATE~

As promised..........At last I think I am at the last hurdle.....I am to report this comming Mon for a Physcological Evaluation.....there are those who say that this is as far as I will get BUT I think I can probably convince the good doctor that considering I am 200 pounds past my ideal weight that I'm most probably not making this up and i do in fact require this life saving surgery.It has taken nearly a year to push through the system and get the help i need......Thank God I wasn't bleeding out................ Will keep all posted.

~Time For Peace In The Mid - East~

I mean really. Isn't it time for peace in the Mid - East? How many have to die? how freakin tragic does it have to get. You may think that it is impossible, but you know what kiddies ? It freakin isn't. All that needs to be done is Isreal put down its arms, park its weaponry, and promise not to kill any more innocent civilians in Lebanon accidently and i'm positive that hezbolla will jump through hoops to comply with the movement and promise to not kill Jewish civilians on purpose and quit hiding in areas that are populated by mostly civilians and lie down their weapons and park their missle launchers and such.
Just picture it. Peace and prosperity will come to the area that is the epicenter of all the major religions of the world. Beautiful huh? JUST FREAKIN BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Look folks get yer heads all the way out of your asses and really look at what is going on. The Muslem world wants nothing more than to eliminate the Jewish people. Sound like someone we remember? Some Nazi guy, think his name was hitler or sumpin. I forget just like most of you out there. Wait a minute its comming back.........If I remember right he wasn't alone there was that Russian guy oh yeah Stalin . Its seems like its all comming back. If I remember right there must of been at least 20,000,000 of them killed between the two. I don't suppose we should leave out the atrocites that were and are still taking place in Africa. Ask.com dosen't have a handle on all of the mothers and fathers, grandparents, children, uncles, aunts, cousens and who knows who else that have given their lives to to a terrorist, or a nation of terrorists. This is the evil out there. It isn't Jews or Arabs or Germans or Russians or even Africans. It is terror commited by people who are dedicated to destroying life as we know it.
Yes Elizabeth there is a Santa Clause and sadly there is pure evil out there also. It is time the people of the world put a stop to all this hate, all this terror while we still have a world to wake up to. At least thats the way I see it here at Arathorns Alley.

~ UPDATE ~

As promised........ I said that I would keep everyone posted as to my progress in my by-pass quest. I have successfully completed all of the physical aspects of the pre- testing. I must still under go a physcological exam. I honestly don't understand the need for that considering that if I had the cash I could find almost any plastic surgeon who would make me look like almost anybody for a fee of course. Regardless that must still be scheduled to see if I really am seriously over weight, and that this surgery could actually help save my life.
More word as I find out.....................

~Please~

Please, please, please......there now I said it three times. You won't be able to say you didn't know. or you weren't aware.I Found out today there are in excess of 200,000 homeless Veterans. At least 80,000 are Viet Nam Vets. The remaining ones are from WW2, Korea, Grenada, and the first Iraqi War. There were no stats for the ongoing war but I am sure that there will be many who will not be able to come back to the world. Many for whom the dreams will not stop. Many of them reduced to hiding in fear at the sound of a car back firing or perhaps the weather helicopter flying over head.
These brave men and women reduced to living hand to mouth,often outdoors, many not using the veterans benefits they so richly deserve.These brave souls have lost the ability to spend a peaceful, quiet, relaxing evening in the safety and security of their own homes. Many afraid to be indoors because of feeling trapped.
We as a nation need to be ashamed of the way these heros are being treated. We need to know that these brothers and sisters laid it all on the line . They paid the ultimate price for all of your and my freedoms. Because of what they did and gave up you and I are safe and secure in our own homes.
Get interested and involved in helping our homeless vets, donate all you can spare. If you are involved with a community project, make the focus of that group help the homeless vets. After all look what they have done for you. 

~ HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ~

Today is a National holiday. It is a day that we as a nation should reflect on, well, what brought us to the "dance". We here in America enjoy a lot of things.Most things we don't even notice and as a result we take for granted. Most of us enjoy a standard of living that is way beyond what the majority of the world experiences. Take for example the simple act of brushing your teeth. You stumble out of bed in your air conditioned home, totter to the bathroom and flip on the over head light.Most will avial themselves of the lavatory and then head to the sink and wash your hands and brush your teeth. Some will even begin their day by taking a hot shower and putting on freshly laundered clothing. These are a few of the small things we take for granted.
We then head to the front door and get the daily morning paper. It, as usual, is full of claptrap and nonsence BUT they are free to write anything they want, about anything they want. The only constrainment is that is must be true and even that is rarely adhered to.
Well it is time to prepare for the days festivitys. We make sure the beer is iced down, the charcoal is in the grill waiting for the guests to arive. Our food is stored safely in the refridgerator untill it is time to grill it.
Soon our guests arive,cars parking in the yard,in front of the houses, every available space. Most of the guests bring their family specialtys.....those special baked beans or perhaps potatoes au gratin. Maybe a pasta salad or a green salad. We all pool together our resourses and a grand party comes together. We celebrate by getting our buzz on and watching the fireworks, perhaps setting off a few ourselves. Patriotic feelings coursing through our veins as we hear the thunderous report of the ordances we are setting off.
The day has come and gone. Our familys and friends have gathered. We celebrated as hard as we could, and all have returned home safely.
How many truly will reflect on what our forefathers actually paid to bring this country together? All of the signers of the Constitution paid horrific prices. They lost their fortunes, their familys and their property. Most did not live long enough to see our fledgling nation flourish.
We live in the greatest nation on the face of this earth. Some of our citizens have no clue as to what it took to get us here. Some don't care any longer,it seems we are turning into a nation of self centered people instead of a band of citizens that work together for a common goal.Most fail to understand what it takes to remain free and strong. They can't even be bothered to get off their lazy duffs and venture out in their own community and vote. Vote for the people who represent us, vote for whom we want , oh yeah that is another privelege . If you don't like what is going on you may run for office and work towards changing it.
Please people it is high time we quit knocking our country and our President and our troops. We are so blessed to live in this country. We have so much more than any nation I have ever seen. Happy Birthday America !!! May God continue to bless us. 

~ R.I.P~ THE AMERICAN WAY~

Today is one of the saddest days of my life. I say this unequivocally,without reservation. I say this bearing in mind all the tradgedys that this life has seen fit to deal me as my hand.Today one more little piece,one small piece of what I hold dear has been taken away. Not for its becoming broken or outdated or even out of fashion,but for it losing it's potential for making a profit. To increase it's profitability in the "World Market".Like some kind of diseased whore......"I'm only in it for the money."
I'm sure by now some of my readers are wandering just what I am going on about....well in the new Superman movie they have eliminated a part of his creed. From day one Superman stood for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way.This was something solid. Something we could hang on to. Something children could hold near and dear. A sort of guide to live your life by. Goals to try and emulate. Knowing these things to be good and right and proper. The "American Way" we would defend to the end if necessary the "American Way" regardless what its cost is.We would and did sacrifice those lives in huge numbers to promote the American Way. Don't believe me? Think I'm over reacting? Look at the endless rows of white crosses ,standing as a mute tribute, to the "American Way" at Arlington National cemetery perhaps gaze at that strangely quiet field known as Flanders Field in France. These people, knew the value of the "American Way"
they paid the price to spread that word.
Look at our borders. People are trying desperately to find a way to get here. To enjoy "The American Way" they risk their lives as a matter of routine, just to be here,to breathe the free air to be allowed to do as they please,when the want to.The "American Way" has immeasurable value and yet Hollyweird says because they want to make more money,to increase their profitability they eliminate the phrase "The American Way" from Supermans creed.
I feel this is a act of treason . It is so insidious. It whittles aways one more little piece of American uniqueness.For money,.......money. They sold out the hopes and dreams and sacrifices of untold numbers of people for money. Is there a word that is dispicable enough to describe them ?If there is I would love to know it. I would love to shout it from the mountaintops. From shore to shore of this great country. God bless America and may God bless and keep "The American Way"

~ When Are They Going To Learn ? ~

I want to rant a little about the main stream media. It is the primary information source for most of our country. As much as myself and my fellow bloggers want to think that we are reaching out and touching a lot of people it is a fly spec in proportion to those who turn on Wolf Blitzer or Charlie Gibson .
In light of that, our media has a obligation to report as accurately and as truthfully as humanly possible to inform the general public of the facts in each and every news story.
Dan Rather did not, and it cost him his career and his network their credibility to some degree. It cost the public the ability to believe what they see or hear on the news. More importantly it has made a nation of cynics out of us. How many times are we charged with the admonition to believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.
We are in a situation now where we are engaged in a brutal war to help a nation rid itself of tyrant whose likes have not been seen since Adolf Hitler. The media reports as its agenda dictates as opposed to the truth of what is really going on. We hear stories posted in the msm of how our troops murdered citizens in cold blood. Well as far as I know our troops have not given up their right to be considered innocent until proven to be guilty. Storyies like this turn our peoples minds from the reality of what is going on. The Insurgents will lie to serve their own agenda and have more insurgents swear that it is true.We have been accused of mis- treating our prisoners of war. Perhaps we shoud have Sen. McClain exactly what mistreatment in a POW camp is really like. We have been acused of being ruthless in our dealings with the Iraqi's. I have not heard how ruthless and against the Geneva Convention is the way the two soldiers who were just kidnapped, brutalized, and beheaded the way the insurgents are behaving.
And yes Virginia there were Weapons Of Mass Destruction found in Iraq they were trucked to Lybia and are hidden there or somewhere else for use by the terrorists.
And how long will it take before the good people of the world understand that it won't be long before the terrorists strike in their homeland. Killing their familys. Our media needs to get their heads all the way out of their collective asses and start telling the truth...... the whole truth .....not just some version that suits their agenda or their bosses agenda or perhaps their owners wallet.
We have had two attacks on American soil with nearly 3,000 fatalitys. We better wake the hell up before 3,000 looks like a mere drop in the bucket. Surely the terrorists will go where it is easyest to do the most damage and if our media is willing to convince the public that there is in reality, no problem and the terrorists are really freedom fighters, fighting against all forms of oppression, we better invest in a coffin company cause the body count right here in America will go through the roof.

~ UPDATE ~

As promised......I said I would keep everyone informed and I will. The Endoscopy went very well and posed no problem at all. The medical staff was considerate and informative each step of the way. I realized absolutely no pain and the scope never bothered me at all. I suppose it was from the novacain I was given to gargle with prior to insertion of the tube. They also ( as a matter of routine ) did a biopsy of my stomach tissues and the Doc said he expected no problem but still was required to send the sample for analyses. All in all it was painless and easy. I am scheduled the 17 of July for the proctoscope and I hope that goes as well. I understand the worst part of that test is the preparation. Before they let me go home, they gave me two photos with 4 images on each of my innards......talk about introspection....

~STEP 987 ~

Well tomorrow is what seems like step 987 in what must be the worlds longest journey.I am scheduled up for a endoscopy tomorrow. I am waiting on the hospital to call and let me know what time they want me, but, regardless of the time I will be there so that I can step one process closer to my goal. Some time in early July I will also be scheduled for the EWWWWWW, the much dreaded.....Proctoscope. I suppose regardless of needing clearence for my surgery, the proctoscope should be performed on everyone at age fifty to help protect from the possiblitity of colo-rectal cancers.So having dodged this rather blunt bullet and all my aprehension this long I suppose it is time I take it like a a stout heart. I will post on my results as soon as I know them. I`ve heard that you can actualy order a DVD I suppose to show with the rest of the family albums....................... 

One Small Step For Mankind....A Hell Of A Leap For Me

As I have posted previously one more step has been taken towards my by-pass surgery. I passed my stress test (I'm not sure if that means I have plenty of stress or my stress levels are low)regardless though, I have scheduled for the Endoscopy and Proctoscope .By mid July ,as far as I can tell all i will have to do is get through the physcological evaluation and I will be ready for the surgery. I truly had no idea that it would of taken as long as it has.
I will never look like the guy in the photo that I have posted,nor do I want to . Geeze the guy is as bald as a Q ball!! I have come to terms with the fact that I will never have a athletic body. As a matter of fact I would look silly if I did. But the dream of being fit enough to be able to do things for myself is certainly starting to come into my mind. Perhaps walk the 300 feet or so to the river and fish a little or be able to tie my own shoes. I don't know how I got this fat but I do know that it will be nice being a little smaller. A man can dream can't he?

~ MEMORIAL DAY ~

As we approach this day to remember our brave sons and daughters,brothers and sisters,uncles or aunts that have fallen in battle to protect our nation,or perhaps to bring freedom from tyrany or even to bring a better life to most of the peoples of the world, I must ask myself why.
Oh not why we do it but why those who we do it for don't appreciate it. Most aren't even aware of the basic knowledge that a citizen of our nation should.
I was listening to talk radio yesterday and the radio personality was talking to five college grads or seniors. Out of that lot of obviously intellegent folks only one knew knew who the vice president was, he also knew who the sec. of state was. he was not able to either sing or recite the words to the National anthem or the pledge of allegience. One person got as far as "and to the publik that it stands for and was stymied.
So I ask my self why do we keep on ? Why do men and women try and keep the American way of life? Why do we give up our sons and daughters for a bunch of people who never bothered to take the time to learn the most rudimentry aspects of our history. Maybe we would be better off being ASSIMILATED by the mexican horde at least they have some ethnic pride, they at least are aware of their history.I truly don't understand how I can be so proud to be a American ..........and so ashamed at the same time. 

~ WORLDS WORST MOM ~

Once more, the worlds worst mother has come to my attention. Her disrespect for her fallen hero son is way past anything that could be imagined. Cindy Sheehan is too busy out and about to bother to mark the grave of her son. Casey Sheehan was killed in the line of duty. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the United States Of America. He swore an oath and held to his pledge till he drew his last breath. His mother was properly notified and was given a quarter of a million dollars in insurance money that she refused to part with to mark his final resting spot can understand that it may of been a financial hardship to part with any of that cash BUT the Veterans Administration would pay for a marker that would be appropriate to the other markers in the cemetery. All she need do is authorize it and pick it out. She seems too busy to do even that for one of Americas finest. God Bless you Casey Sheehan. You didn't have a mom but at least you had a country that loved you and will remember you.

When Yer Wrong Yer Wrong

Dear Mr. President, I hate to give you this thumbs down because I have been one of your biggest supporters. You missed a perfect opportunity to show the Chinese a life lesson yesterday. When Pres. Hu Jintao was with you at the brief press conference and a documented press representative from the Epoch Times, a New York based newspaper, spoke out,her name is Wang Wenyi and is obviously a chinese national. She was quickly whisked away and you apoligized for the incedent you would of been better served by stating that this is America Mr. President, and we believe in free speech. Sometimes its difficult but in all the world there isn't a finer system. You must not ever let a chance to shine go by.

Brad and Angelina Is Pleased to Announce~~~~~

Thank God that Brad and Angie finally decided where, their as yet unborn son, is to be born.............Nambibia. Finally a movie star of his caliber and I might point out huge resourses, has decided to take all precautions in the birth of his son and cause him to be close to all possible medical resourses in a forward thinking,technically advanced country like Nambibia. I must say that I am a little jealous of Brad and Angies finances. If I lived in Nambibia I wouldn`t need to jump through all these hoops the doctors here in America are making me go through in order to get my gastric - bypass.I would venture to say that it probably wouldn't even be necessary in the first place. Oh and further kudos to the happy couple for making sure that the newborn is taken care of in the future.....He will be given a African name to go along with his Nambibian citizenship. Sometimes the sun surely seems to shine on certain folks.....

OH YEA ? WHAT WOULD you DO?

Well come on.......... Tell me........... Just tell me...................What would YOU do? What would you do if you were President Of The United States Of America? Understand there are tens of thousands of things that more than likely require the attention of POTUS on a daily basis. Bear in mind that each decision could have the potential to cost lives, win or lose large sums of money,and or effect peoples lives in extraordinary ways. What are the top five things you would do, and in what order?Oh BTW don`t allow your personal feelings, or family members,Or friends situations figure into your decisions,determine what five things you would do based totally benefiting the greater number of people,oh did I forget to say that,you being the President ofUnited States, must also consider the world wide ramifications of each seemingly small thing.
On the surface the above seems a daunting task,well it is. But I'm a generous kind of fellow. I will gleefully throw in the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the determination of Attilla, the strength of Hercules, the foresite of H.G. Wells.Still quite the task isn't it? What would you do? What would you mandate? Please help me tell me ? I wanna know? or maybe I wanna see if you know,or if anyone knows OR are we are as a nation,turned into a bunch of whiners will complain regardless of who is doing the job or even how well he/she is doing that thankless task.

Another follow - up on my road to a thinner, trimmer, movie star type body. Hah like any of that could ever be. I was set back last week due to the med staff neglecting to tell me to quit my meds 48 hours prior to testing time,so it was re-scheduled for this Wed. & Thur. I reported as requested at 7:00 A.M. and was promptly told that I was too debilitated and my breathing was so labored from not being on my meds for two days prior to my test,that they were afraid to do the test because there was a real danger of going into respiratory arrest. I was carted to the Emergency room for further evaluation and the ER doc concurred that I needed admitted and some intesive treatment on my breathing. I spent the next two days getting breathing treatments and huge doses of steroids which, although ultimately bad for you, really work wonders for aches and pains and to restore capabiltys for breathing . I can actually walk without groans and moans now till the seroids wear off, about a week they say.
So much for the news report, but for my impression of the medical arena I am sorely tried to keep from screaming at these people. I was admitted to a nice room on the sixth floor of our local hospital and that is as far as my satisfaction went. I had no hot water to clean my self with or to shower. Their solution is to give me a zip lock bag with about 6 or 8 washcloths soaked in some sort of soapy solution and some water and put in a microwave till steamy. I asked what this was and the told me with some pride..............a bath in a bag. Grrrrrrrrr I want a hot steamy shower and hot water and soap to wash my hands after using the toilet.My bed was a good quality hospital grade bed, BUT it had some sort of sheet material that was horribly uncomfortable. It stuck to your body but wouldn`t stay tucked in, it slipped off the pillows exposing the plastic pillows so a good nights sleep was impossible. I think it is probably a moot point due to the fact that they come in and check on you at least hourly. If all you need is rest I reccomend a four star hotel, you will feel a hell of a lot better and not spend near as much money. So all this means that I must wait another two weeks as per my doc before I can get the stress test and once through that on to the next aspect of the qualifying process for the Gastric By- Pass surgery that I need so badly.Wish me well!!! 

~ One More Step ~

As promised another update on my gastric by-pass path. I ask myself sometimes why people get frustrated about things and it is a process like this that brings clarity to me. I was scheduled for the stress test part of the process on Wednesday and was to call in on Tuesday for instructions. As per my directions I did so and was told that I could not take the test because they neglected to inform me at my Doctors office that I was to not take my breathing medications for the two days prior to the test and my diabetic med the day of the test. This translates into another week lost till I can reschedule. OK get over it no big deal. I am rescheduled for this week coming up for that. I had that aspect resolved and could move on to getting a colonoscopy and a endoscopy performed. I show up at this doctors office, and the doctors wife is his secretary and receptionist.....1st warning sign was they called four hours before my scheduled apt. Time and rescheduled me six hours later because the doctor had a emergency. As far as I am concerned those things happen but usually not six hours in advance. 2nd warning sign...... I am the only patient there,hmmmmmmmmm. The receptionist / secretary / wife / concubine,shows me to a exam room where I spend the next hour waiting for the good doctor to show up. Being a observant type I check out the room and it's furnishings and supplies. I notice only one exam glove left in the box. A trash receptacle that is over flowing with the somewhat disgusting traces of prior exams and worst sin of worst sins ,the trash can liner is a simple trash bag like you would use at home as opposed to a red bio - hazard bag as required by law, considering what is contained in this vessel. The exam room in general ,has a palor of a over used,run down ,cheap motel. 3 rd warning sign..........Doc finally shows and wants to know before even even exchanging niceties how do I intend to pay, and was I aware that he only accepts cash for my co-pay.I am beginning to doubt that this physcian and his obvious dedication to upholding the Hippocratic Oath is going to be appropriate for me. He will do I believe, for these testing processes, but I am so glad that the caregiver I have selected to do my surgery, is clearly superior to this poor excuse for a doctor. He may even be the poster boy for malfeasence.

The Beginning Of The Process

As I promised, I would keep everyone updated as to my progress in the ordeal to get the gastric by-pass surgery that hopefully will allow me to get my life back. Next week the testing begins in earnest. I have been on a supervised weight loss program for the last six months, and now that that aspect has been completed next week seems to be filled with the testing process. I have to go to the hospital for two consecutive days to get a stress test. This will be a chemically induced stress situation as my damaged leg will not allow me to actually walk the dreaded treadmill.They will inject me with some sort of stimulant to mimic physical effort on my part and then take x - rays of my heart. I will have to return the next day for another injection and more heart x - rays. They day after that, I must report to a Gastro-Enterologist to get examined for a colonoscopy and a endoscopy. I hope they can do them both in the same day,but needless to say, I trust different scopes.Once these are completed they will decide if moving along is warranted and if so, the next step is a physcological evaluation to see if i'm doing this for all the right reasons. I am sure that they will not mistake me for a annorexic wannabe. I must also get extensive blood work prior to the surgery and then I can finally get on with the process. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.......I will post more as soon as I know more.