Hi Dale and welcome to OH. You will find much support and answer to questions as you begin to research this site. I have been a member since March '05 and with the help of this site, began a profile, was able to add my pictures, found my surgeon via the state pages, see what others thought of him and check his surgical background through other links i.e. state boards and local licensing. I have been greatly helped with the messge boards as others have asked questions and then I got brave enough to ask some on my own. My surgery date is 8/3/05 in just 6 short days from now and the support has been overwheleming. I hope and pray that you too will feel the support, care and compassion of those on this site as I have. Best of luck to you and many blessings as you begin this journey!