Picked up my rib from the Pathology Dept. at MGH today. It's actually kind of gross, looking sort of like a hybrid of a lobster claw and, well, something you'd find on your plate at a bbq joint. They drained the formalin off it and replaced it in the specimen container, inside a take-out type container. Admittedly, I was sort of ooked out by the numerous attachments. I think I was expecting a more sun-washed Georgia O'Keefe type thing, but no. Now I need to figure out how to clean it (bleach?) and where to put it in the mean time.

My family has taken to moving the container around the house with little notes attached ("miss you!", etc.) I was exhausted from the trip to the hospital for a visit with my surgeon today. So my hilarious husband started scratching on the bedroom door (apparently that's what a rib sounds like, in case you wondered) pretending to be the body part in question. The entertainment value has proved priceless so far. Halloween will never be quite the same.

Anyway, I think the best approach is to bleach the rib. I need to research this as I'm not sure of the chemical reaction bleach has with something that's been soaked in formalin. My husband suggested giving it to the dog or tossing it on the grill. Ugh. Perhaps it will wind up in the garbage!

My wife has now decided we will not be requesting the rib!

Cleaning Bones from University of Indianapolis

That website should be very helpful!

Thanks, LadyLaura. Nospam, I certainly hope your wife's decision wasn't based on my post!!!

I was thinking about this on the other thread, but didn't want to mention it.

I'm amazed there was enough rib to keep and your families antics have brought a smile to my face!! Can you imagine the photo opportunites from family picnics etc.

Blurto, I know, the entertainment value is priceless so far. I find the container around the house with little notes on it saying things like "miss you" and "separation anxiety". At least they have a sense of humor! I'm still trying to get the courage to go scrub it off in the utility sink in the basement, ugh.

HHaaaaa thats awesome, glad you're having fun with it!!

Pics or it didn't happen.

chroma, honestly, truly--it's pretty gross right now. If you want me to send you a picture privately, I will, but I don't want to scare people. It's been soaking in a solution of ammonia and water for several days now, and there's still stuff attached to it. I've come too far to toss it, but no one facing surgery needs to see it. I have to brace myself before dealing with it in the basement. It's like some freakish science project that never ends.