mrd, I am sorry about your spouse, I am sure you miss he/she. thank you for your kind share. I am 100% with you on ER is used as a walk in clinic. I live near a small, poor rural town, I live out of town. In CA, we have a lower income medical insurance like system, medi-cal. The state finally built a clinic that focuses on this population. It has taken a lot of patients out of the ER system. You mentioned you went via ambulance, I was told and have had the experience, that if you go via ambulance, you basically move to the front of the line. Just a thought, if you were to wear a medic-alert bracelet or necklace stating your issue, would that move you at least way forward in the ER line? I understand the wrenching, my entire upper body feels like 🔥🔥🔥 literally. I sure hope your surgery is an amazing success for you. I hope you have a friend, friends, family member who will be there for you. I think it's important to have someone who knows you and will stick up for you when you're having surgery. Good vibes ShelleyW