Monday, November 24, 2008

Transplant Tribune: Update

Hello Everyone,

There really is not much to report in this issue. I have been listed at UCSF for a heart-kidney transplant since August 5, and as of right now I have not received that call. I did have a visit with my cardiologist Dr. Rame who told me there has been quite a "rush" of transplants lately and three of the last four have been heart and kidney. Two of those were for Status Two patients like me, people who are waiting at home rather than in the hospital. So I am encouraged by the latest developments.

That is about all at the moment. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Bob/Irv
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.