Thanks Gary, and pclark! I should not be alive from what 3 of my surgeons told me! I was totally bed ridden for 3 plus months. Starting with severe lower back pain, due to a lower spinal infection, and abscess. Witch in turn infected the Mitral valve in my heart. Then the Mitral valve leaflets flaked off causing me to have a stroke. Extended hospital stay in OSF Peoria, IL ensued. 10 weeks of continuous IV, and infusions. I lost 40 lbs, and I'm now trying to get back my weight and strength so as to be able to have the heart surgery, and a successful recovery. I thank the Lord that the valve is not real critical will allow me time to regain my strength.