Here is an update. 

I was really lucky.  My doctor had an opening today.  I went there and she said I shouldn't go to the ER now.  We are going to work on the problem and she told me about alternatives to hospitalization concerning the problem I didn't know about.  for now, that of course is the much preferable option and if things go well, I won't have to be in hospital.

Gene

I'm going to have an unexpected health problem checked today.  I feel fine but I may be in hospital so I may not be as active on the list.  I'm sure Laaz will do a good job dealing with anything that may come up.. 

Please don't clutter the list with good wishes messages to me.  You may send them to

gsasner@.... 

Since the messages are directed to me, they would just be clutter on list. 

I don't know if the problem is serious or not but it needs to be checked. 

Gene