mpb - lol ! That's exactly what I decided to do. Stop reading! Plenty of time for that if things don't go smoothly, but unless its a placebo effect, I'm already starting to feel a little better, and certainly less swollen. Great to hear that you're now living life again...well deserved!

Patience_and_healing - thank you ever so much for this information!

Kv12 - thanks for your generous offer - that's closer than some people are prepared to get to my backside! lol! Besides, I've already given myself a crude waxing, when I first removed my padding/bandages after the LIS !

Jim - Really hope you get some good news this Thursday - will keep everything crossed for you!
Mr F