Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Kidney Chronicles: News At Last

Dear friends and family,

Our 3-year rollercoaster ride on the way to a kidney transplant decision is finally over. We got the call late yesterday from our nurse-coordinator at UCSF telling us that the transplant selection committee has decided that a transplant is too risky for Bob, in spite of his cardiologist's arguments. Their main reason given was that his frequent low blood pressure would add extra risk during surgery, and put the new kidney at risk for survival after the surgery. Losing that kidney would be terrible for Bob as well as Dave, who should certainly keep both his kidneys if there is such a high chance that the transplant would not work in the long run.

Bob is handling this news much better than I am, and he has a sense of relief at not having to face the surgery and all the follow-up drugs and treatments. I of course am inclined to want to get another opinion from another hospital, but he does not want to go through this process again, understandably. In a day or two when I settle down I will ask for more details about the decision from the kidney docs, just to help with closure on this subject. I am having a hard time accepting that this is the 'final answer', after all the ups and downs.

The idea of continuing on dialysis forever, with all the extreme diet and fluid limitations, is something we both have to come to terms with. Of course it's wonderful that people with kidney failure can continue to lead a fairly normal life with regular dialysis treatments, but it is hard on Bob's heart and we will have to adjust our thinking to accept it as a permanent lifestyle, and not just something to get past temporarily.

We continue to value and appreciate all of you in our life, and look forward to having more time to socialize, now that we will be spending less time at UCSF.

With love,

Cherie
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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.