The Associated Press
Friday, March 23, 2007; 3:12 PM

NEW YORK -- Regis Philbin called "Live With Regis and Kelly" on Friday to report that he's in pain, but doing well, after his recent heart bypass surgery.

"Well, you know, I think I'm through the worst of it," Philbin told co-host Kelly Ripa. "I guess I was a little unprepared for, you know, the first week and what they actually do to make this thing happen _ and so, some of it came as quite a shock."

Philbin, 75, said he's in pain around his heart, back and leg where doctors took some arteries for the bypass.

He said it especially hurts when he sneezes.

"Other than that, I'm dancing, I'm having fun," said Philbin, who is expected to return to the syndicated daytime talk show in about a month.

Philbin says painkillers have kept him up at night, causing him to "wander around the house" and say some strange things.

"Last night I was yelling _ I'm a little embarrassed to tell you this _ but I was yelling, `I haven't had sex in 3 1/2 months!'" he said.

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The Walt Disney Co.'s Buena Vista Television distributes "Live With Regis and Kelly."

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