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Paul...that was just beautiful what you wrote to Katie...and so true. I just wanted to tell you that I think you're awesome (and eloquent!). What a nice sentiment. -Mike

Liz, Lily, and I want to come with Whitney and Keith! If we go to England in '09, maybe we'll be able to do a little European road tripping...I'd love to go to France, Italy, and Spain. (I need to win the lottery...) -Mike

Wow Paul - Italy sounds like a place you go to visit, fall in love with, and never leave. I wonder if I could be like the woman in "Under the Tuscan Sun" and fall in love with a country town and buy a villa and retire? Heaven on earth

Wow Paul - you sure are going through a lot. I know you may feel like getting up and walking, but do as your doctor says, hon...I will not allow a relapse!! I am determined and hell-bent on making it to Italy - it has always been a dream of mine - perhaps late in 2009 we'll be able to do it, and you and your partner, and my husband and I will have to "do the town" together!! Now that is something to look forward to my friend

Hi Paul...I didn't realize you were in Pisa! I hope things go better for you today and that walking is a snap tomorrow! If it's any consolation, I have gas too! LOL
Take care buddy...I'm glad you let me know what was going on--I've been keeping you in my prayers this week! -Mike

Ciao, Paul! Thanks for the update. I suspect with some meds to protect the stomach. I will have no worries. I can empathize with your desire to be freed from your hospital! My prayers will be continuing with your health and strength in mind.
Peace and patience, my friend.
Bill

Paul:
I just read a post about meds taken post-op and it was a very clear warning against NSAIDS like Celebrex, which I take 200mg daily for the hip. I am wondering if you were/are taking NSAIDS? One line said:You should not take any NSAIDs without a protectant such as Cytotec or Carafate. EVER!!!! Is that what you're doing?

Thanks,
Nosey BillH

Hey Paolo! (I hope that's how your name would be spelled in modern Italian...I might guess "Paulus" in Latin, but that too would be a sheer guess!)
Anyway, I am glad things are going "on track" and thank God the Italian medical people take their time with their patients. I believe American medicine rushes us up and out because of the Almighty dollar...When I was a chaplain in a very disadvantaged inner city hospital that was merged into a larger health system, they often rushed birth mothers and babies out way too quickly! Indeed, just yesterday my daughter sent me an e-mail to get names for a petition because American medicine now rushes women out who've had masectomies! I believe health care should be a right and not simply a privilege...and frankly with all the scare stories the hospital and insurance folk tell about "socialized medicine" I am thrilled that Italy lets you get GB surgery and everything else you need....But enough of my 'venting' about this great, but definitely far, far from perfect "land of the free..."

Is there a lot of pain? Do they have you pushing one of those buttons to self-administer pain meds? Do you have a family member or close friend nearby? I wish I could just pull up a chair and chat for a bit. I know people get lonely while hospitalized, but I also know you're there because you need your rest. As a chaplain, I always tried to err on too short a visit rather than something that became an ordeal for a patient in need of rest. Anyway, my thoughts will be with you today, Paul, as I go thru my day...Take care and take it easy. And way to go, overcoming one more hurdle!
BillH

Hi Paul! How are you feeling? Hoping all's well and not in a lot of pain!
BillH