I have started the series of pre-op checks and tests before my second knee replacement in September, and this morning I had to visit the cardiologist. I was rather dreading it because last time I saw an older man who had a speech impediment (I am sure he was a good doctor though) and I had difficulty understanding him. I thought that with my new-found deafness it was going to be really hard. So I was relieved at first when I was called by quite a young man. However, in France the first thing any doctor does if he is examining you anywhere below the neck is to ask you to take all your clothes off! And I mean all, panties included. No gowns or anything. So there I was stark naked on his couch while he prodded me with a stethoscope and attached the terminals to me for an ECG. All the while he was talking to me about his holiday in Bosnia last year (he had asked me where I had worked) and looking at me with these dark brown eyes. He really was just TOO good looking to be true - like George Clooney in early ER episodes. Most disconcerting. Anyway, I passed with flying colours and go on for the blood test and teeth Xray next week. I am sure those will be really boring after today.