Thanks for the info and positive support. I am very nervous... I've tried the flush and in two days the pain came back. Unfortunately, I live in America, where it costs thousands with no insurance. I am trying to get insurance now and the cheapest will cost about $200 per month. So, in addition to the anxiety of thinking about surgery, I have to get insurance last minute. Even more frustrating -if I may vent - is that I've been a vegetarian for 15 years, exercise, and consider myself really educated in how to take care of myself. I never needed or wanted insurance before. I am thinking there is a strong link to emotional stress along with genetics. I hope to get the damn surgery soon and that everything goes well.