Monday, January 18, 2010

Defining "normal".....


Well, it seems like normal for Bob is being in the hospital, because that's where he is again. After enjoying a night at home and delightful day in Sacramento Sunday with Andy, Linsey and her family, instead of heading to bed Sunday night we made the trip to UCSF around 11 pm.....very slight but definite chest pain started up around 9:30 pm, and would not go away. It was a quick trip to the ER, and in record time from arrival at midnight, he was checked over, IV-equipped, EKG'd, Xray'd, lab-tested and admitted to a room on the 10th floor by 4 am. I headed right home both for sleep and to dodge the approaching rainstorm and wind.

He had dialysis mid-day and is getting his first meal of the day about now ( 4 pm) since he was kept off food in case someone wanted to do some kind of procedure on him. NPO is getting to be another kind of normal for the poor guy. No procedures were done. He is pretty well rested now and has his cell phone. Unfortunately I left his newest book in the car and he is bored, but even he agreed I should not drive back in the storm to bring him a book - I'll let the hospital volunteers help him out.

Due to the MLK holiday the transplant clinic folks are off today, so I will not even speculate ( I'm learning) about what's next. He's stable now and comfortable. Will keep you all posted.
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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.