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Regis -- Bypassed by Docs, Bathed by Kelly?

Posted Mar 12th 2007 1:25PM by TMZ Staff

Regis Philbin is going under the knife this week for bypass surgery, and looks like he'll have the services of a preternaturally perky nurse -- his co-host Kelly Ripa -- should he want them.

Philbin announced on this morning's "Live with Regis and Kelly" that he's going to have heart bypass surgery after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains. His preferred mode of treatment was angioplasty -- "Bang, bang, bang, they blow it open," as he described it -- but doctors insisted on the more invasive bypass.

Kelly obligingly offered her, er, assistance: "My primary job will be, like it or not, get your pills ready -- your sponge-bath nurse." To which Reege very quickly replied, "Why don't you give me a quick dip before I go?"

Philbin says he'll be away from the show for five weeks. No word on whether Clay Aiken will fill in for the peppy talkmaster.

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Tags: Kelly Ripa, KellyRipa, Regis Philbin, RegisPhilbin

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(Page 8 of 8) Previous 15 Comments

106. This comment is regarding Kelly's statement that she will put on her "nurse costume" and give a sponge bath to Regis. I cannot be the only 'real' nurse in the U.S. who is sending you a friendly nudge to tell you that members of the profession of nursing are so tired and bored with the portrayal of nurses as sex-kittens posing as a health care professionals.
I understand that you are trying to cheer him by telling him you will be going in and giving him some "TLC" with a nice sponge bath, to "perk him up". Kelly, there are nearly 2 million nurses in the country, and dozens of "real "nurses who will quietly and capably serve on his health care team. Literally, his life will be in the hands of nurses at the very same time it is in the hands of doctors. It will definitely be a nurse who stands vigil by his side in the dark of night, utilizing expertise and knowledge along with gentle, professional touch and voice to make sure he is safe and doing well. Kelly, please drop any further portrayals of the sponge bath and TLC as a nursing function. You would never dream of saying you would dress up in a tight dress and portray yourself as a doctor to give a sponge bath. It's an affront to the dignity of the women and men who work in a profession that is frequently devalued in public forums (like your show) by reducing it to sexually implicit , and cheapened characatures. Even that crusty old curmudgeon Dave Letterman (whose sister is a nurse by the way) had nothing but serious praise for the team of doctors and nurses who pulled him through. You are a good sport Kelly, find another image to joke with the Reeg about......the fact is, Regis' life is literally going to be held in the hands of the competence of his health care team. He was having some second thoughts. I know you were trying to make him laugh. The joke came off well, but it was at the expense of the image of millions of beautiful and even sexy nurses. You are just a great person Kelly, and I know you will take this comment to heart. There are few lives in this country that have NOT been touched by a nurse, beginning in the delivery room at birth, school nurses, clinic nurses, hospital nurses, nurse educators, public health nurses and advance practice nurses. I have never written a letter to anyone on TV when this common and not very funny reference is made about nurses.....but you are a good person, who will be glad to hear a little whisper from a nurse out here in TV land. Thanks for the great job you do in your role as Regis' assistant......being second fiddle to him is a lot like nurses are to doctors...you sometimes carry the heavy load, but he gets the credit....sound familiar/???

Posted at 1:56AM on Mar 15th 2007 by Nancy Heyer R.N.

107. Kelly Ripa is so very intellectually challenged and lazy, she would NEVER QUALIFY to be admitted to any school of nursing, let alone pass the R.N. exam.

She proves her ignorance daily every time she opens that big mouth of hers!

Posted at 12:41PM on Mar 15th 2007 by Sylvia

108. I have been recovering open heart patients for the last 25 years. Kelly's "sponge bath" comments were insulting to women and to the nursing profession. There is a lot more that occurs post op than a sponge bath. Why does "dumb Blonde" come to mind everytime I see this woman?
Good luck with the surgery and post op recovery Regis. And your best bet is to keep Kelly away from the bedside...she won't be an asset.

Posted at 11:03PM on Mar 18th 2007 by Robert Quick RN

109. GOD BLESS REGIS .HE IS THE BEST!! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR OPERATION.KELLY IS NOT A FAVORITE OF MINE.SHE WILL DO IN A PINCH.I THINK SHE A NAME DROPPER.She should stand on her on two feet.She would do a lot better ,than trying to butter up to Regis .

Posted at 8:57PM on Mar 21st 2007 by hollydoris

110. Regis: Just heard about your back pain problems. I had a bypass in Oct '05. An article appeared regarding massage as an answer to the back
pain at that same time. A hospital somewhere found that massage had releived a lot of the back pain. My wife gave me a back massage every night and it really helped quell the back pain. Check it out with your healthcare people and see if this might help you get through this period.
You'll feel great in a few weeks. Good Luck!

Posted at 3:40PM on Mar 26th 2007 by Lou Wittmer

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