Query to get first sentence from field

[creole]

I've got a text field from which I'd like to extract the first sentence for each record. Here's the query I've got so far.

SELECT SUBSTRING_INDEX(j.job_desc,'.',1) AS job_desc
FROM jobs

The problem is that in some of the records, the first sentence is terminated by a question mark (or exclamation point) rather than a period and I need to get those sentences as well. I'm trying to find out how I can say "the first sentence" instead of "the first sentence ending in a period".

Does anyone have any ideas?

[Ren]

Erm,

CREATE TABLE terminators(char CHAR(1));
INSERT INTO terminators VALUES('.'), ('?'), ('!');

Then a cross join to find the minimum length?

Or use REPLACE(job_desc, '?', '.') etc before the SUBSTRING_INDEX

[r937]

"Stop!" said Mary.

[creole]

I know, I know Rudy. But this isn't going to be that sort of field. It's a job description; no literary nonsense here. 99% of the text will be like this:

Counsel On Call is actively interviewing outstanding paralegals wanting to work on contract assignments in the Atlanta metro area.

East Memphis multidiscipline Law Firm is looking for an associate to assist in the growth of its Family Law practice.

Memphis firm is seeking a paralegal to work in its family practice group.

Etc...

So any ideas?

[r937]

ren's REPLACE sounds like a good start