Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday's Puzzle

Robert J continues to improve in alertness and continues walking for rehab. But today the cardiologists told us his latest blood cultures showed an infection ion his system. It will be another 48 hours before the actual species of the infection is identified, but they have already begun treatment with IV drug therapy. Although his spirits are considerably better than earlier in the week, he said today " I just can't seem to catch a break". No argument there. He will definitely remain in the hospital through the weekend, with no forecasts for next week's plan from the docs. The weather is so unusually beautiful for San Francisco this time of year, and he's stuck on the 10th floor with windows that don't open and a fan to cool things off - crazy!

Other updates: he still has the Foley catheter in, and the only news there is that it will be removed and replaced today. I still have not heard from the Urology Dept about a visit, and ask the transplant team every day what's going on with that. His trusty wound vacuum pump is working away on the leaky kidney incision, and the new leak is still dripping away through numerous gauze dressings. We are trying to get him a CPAP machine for his sleep apnea, something that's been on the list to do for several months now (but continually sidelined by repeated hospitalizations). They tried a generic hospital machine and mask on him last night, with very poor results. I've now been given a local company to contact that might be able to supply him with a custom-fitted mask, perhaps even delivered to the hospital. Worth a try.

He's got plenty to read, but would be happy to have visitors and/or phone calls. Please call or email me for his hospital room phone number, since he can't get cell reception here. Have a happy weekend everyone, and get out and enjoy that sunshine for us!
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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.