Thursday, August 23, 2007

Transplant Tribune: Holding Steady

Well, many of you are wondering what is going on with the infamous Robert J Moss at this point in the summer. The answer is: not much, but at least what news we have is mostly positive. We were hoping to have some definite news about The List by now, but we are still just creeping along, faithfully going to his assigned appointments . Here's the latest, in a nutshell:
We have heard nothing but rave reviews about Dr. Hoopes' surgical skills - just hope RJ gets the chance to experience such expertise sometime! ( His communication and "people" skills are widely known to be zip).
Last week the vascular surgeon tested the circulation on his right leg, and it's still very good since the bypass last spring.
A right heart catheterization ( also last week) showed very good pulmonary pressures this time around.
Dr. Rame', the original UCSF cardiologist who "invited" us into this transplant program wants to see Bob again, but first he needs to have another Echo Cardiogram.(sigh)
A bit of an obstacle is the fistula in his right arm, created in a surgical procedure in May to provide better access for dialysis. It has not developed correctly, which sometimes happens, so unfortunately that procedure needs to be re-done next week, this time with an artificial vein graft instead of using his own vein. I hear Gortex is the miracle fabric to be used. It's likely that the recovery time from this little deal will delay being listed again, of course.

Finally, we have been assigned a case manager from the finance dept. at UCSF, so that is a serious step forward: they are making sure we know all the fine print about that side of the project, along with helping get Medicare lined up to supplement Bob's insurance. This may be a bigger step forward than all the medical stuff!
We have mellowed a bit and are not calling UCSF daily for updates.......figured we should enjoy his relative good health and mobility right now, and take things in stride. With all the appointments coming our way, we know he is not forgotten!

Thanks as always for your support and good wishes. So nice to know we have a huge network of friends and relatives cheering him on!

With love from both of us,

Cherie / Cheryl
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RJ/Bob/Irv is a 61-year-old beloved husband, father, uncle, brother, motor racing fanatic, and Livermore resident who received a heart and kidney transplant in February of 2010. Bob's recent years have been defined by his health, which forced him into early retirement. Unfortunately, many of his days were spent in a dialysis center or at various medical appointments, primarily due to his living with diabetes for over 40 years. Numerous were panic visits to various Emergency Rooms all over California for treatment of chest pain. But now no more dialysis and no more late-night dashes to UCSF! The main focus of Bob's family, friends, and doctors has been a prompt transplant, so that he can get back to traveling with his Sweetie, driving fast cars, enjoying great music and laughing with his friends. This blog will function as a way to communicate with all interested parties and to keep everyone informed. And hopefully it can serve a great purpose also, in making people more aware of the importance of organ donation and how each life saved has a positive effect on dozens of related friends and relatives.