As I was filling out a number of medical papers today, prior to my seeing an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow, I came across an entry which required me to give them an emergency contact.  I knew that I could probably get permission from my sister to use her name and number, but did not want to do so because she has a tendency to get a lot of things mixed-up.   I called her daughter (Kathy) and asked if it would be okay with her if I used her as the emergency contact.  In addition to that, I wanted to give the doctors her name as one of the people who I will authorize to have access to my medical records.  Kathy agreed to my requests without any reservations.   Kathy is very concerned about my overall medical condition.  She has suggested that I consider entering some type of therapeutic swimming program during the coming summer.  I said that I would get back to her on that after I talked to my regular physician.  Other than my sister, I truly feel the Kathy is the only one in the family who really cares about me.