Memo to folks sensitive about discussion of health issues: maybe skip on by this one.

Hi Olychick,

I'm wondering whether to send that message to the headquarters of a nationwide Canadian mid-range coffee house chain that carries the name of a well known hockey player of about 60 years ago.

Although I've never been troubled by diarrhea, in recent years I've needed tò maķe bathroom visits more often than earlier. It became more so following my radiation for the prostate cancer a couple of years ago and sometimes I get only minimal warning.

When the catheter that I've needed prior to a reem job on the prostate blocks on occasion, it causes the need to evacuate the personal portable solid waste disposal system to get more enthusiastic/urgent.

When it did so a month ago, I felt it wise to make the 15 mile trip to Emerg. by country roads and streets rather than via the freeway, in case of a need for pit stop(s) en route - and I took an emergency kit including underwear and toilet paper.

Just after entering the city, I thought it advisable to make a pit stop, so went into the coffee shop, leaving the emergency kit in the car.

Although only a minimal deposit was required - there was NO toilet paper (and a blow-dry after cleanup) ... and, although I asked Artful Aunt Audrey the other day whether she was on a roll ... the roll that I'd brought with me was relaxing in the car

Prior to my departure, I notified one of the associates making the coffee of the deficiency in the bathroom. (the original fourth word prior to this was "efficiency" - is there a possibility that I may be at risk of losing my marbles, ya figger?)

Arrived shortly after at the Emerg - their bathroom had more paper than I needed - and as I was dealing with substantial and building pressured discomfort ... they didn't keep me waiting for 3 or 4 hours

Ah, the wonder of almost instant return to a comfort zone!!

(As for the TURP (trans urethral resection of the prostatel) ...

... they tell me that there's about an 80% prospect of success ...

... but without it, it's catheter throughout my remaining days of life.

That said, I don't find it too much of a nuisance ... but it'll require (no cost to me) replacement pretty well monthly till I make my departure ... from this dimension of life, that is.

ole joyfuelled

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Sorry ole joyful guy that you are going through this...my grandfather, who lived to be 99, had it done 4 times over the years. Each time, it worked for many years, but eventually he'd need it repeated. We used to call it going in for a roto-rooter job.

OJ, I, too, am sorry you are having to go through this. And I greatly admire your attitude. God bless you!

Rusty