Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Sedation decreasing - awareness increasing!


As of this afternoon Bob is increasingly aware of his visitors and knows what's going on. He won't be able to speak until his breathing tube is removed later, but is clearly communicating with head nods for yes and no. I told him I was returning to the waiting room so someone else could come in, and he shook his head "no" very emphatically. I asked if he wanted me to stay longer, and I got a huge head shake "yes". I also asked if his knee still hurt from the fall on Sunday, so he wiggled leg around and nodded "no". Very satisfying to find him so able to communicate so soon. We are still amazed and blown away that this momentous surgery has taken place at last. And of course we are so aware that another family is grieving a terrible loss. We will be forever grateful that they made the decision to share their loved one's organs so that many other people would benefit - Bob is just one of several, we're sure.
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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.