Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Waiting for the next step

The 2-week window of opportunity for Robert J to be in the top tier of the waiting list for a transplant, status 1A, has now passed without any news of available organs. We have been quietly but increasingly anxious to know what's next for him.
According to our transplant coordinator this morning, the team has decided to request an extension of his 1A status, to keep him at the top of the list and in the hospital. This involves arranging a conference call with members of the board of UNOS, the governing body that sets the rules and guidelines for transplant donors and recipients. Because it will take at least day or two to agree on a time for the involved parties to participate in the call, he will remain in the hospital at least until Friday....fortunately the time it takes to arrange the call keeps him in the current 1A status.

We both have mixed emotions about him remaining in the hospital. He is very comfortable, is enjoying reading, music and all the internet contact available via our trusty laptop. And of course he feels safest there, in case of his heart starting trouble again. But of course he would rather live at home with me and the cat, with his Speed TV channel for the upcoming racing season, home-cooked meals, etc. I'm personally glad to have the decision out of our hands for now!

He is having dialysis this morning, and was very upset to be taken to the dialysis unti before getting his breakfast, currently his favorite meal of the day. But he will be done by about 12:30, so is available for visitors after that time today, and all day tomorrow if anyone is going to be in the area. Friday's dialysis time is still unknown, as is Saturday's.......Sunday is wide open for visitors, if he is still there!
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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.