Thursday, May 20, 2010

Day 5 Update from the Peanut Gallery

I arrived at the hospital yesterday to find a very quiet and subdued Robert J. He told me that for the first time in many weeks, he was feeling bummed and a bit negative. He has done so well, and has been so happy since getting home in April - this setback that's threatening his new kidney is hitting him hard at this point. I'm sure the emotional ups and downs are to be expected, but hate to see this temporary turn away from the cheerful optimism and good humor that we have all been enjoying.

Late yesterday Dr. Majure told us that they are now pretty certain that the main culprit in this infection is in fact the BK virus. Since the drug to treat it is already being given, and is in pill form, it's likely that RJ could be sent home as early as today to continue his recovery. However, this morning's early news is that his kidney lab numbers are going in the wrong direction again, so the teams are carefully considering the next step. Home is still a possibility if local lab work can be arranged to be done frequently enough to keep close tabs on the kidney function.

I'm heading back to the hospital for this afternoon's monthly transplant support group meeting, and to bring RJ home afterwards if we are so lucky. The meeting topic is going to be about how and when transplant recipients can contact donor families to express their gratitude, and we have been very interested in attending this session for some time. Maybe it will help us focus on the big picture again, and get past the frustration of this current challenge. After all, our life is far better now than before the transplant, and as I remind my husband (more frequently than he cares to hear about), we have not gotten this far for nothing!

But Wait, There's More! Late-breaking nooz from your Editor and patient, here. Just had a flurry of Dr. visits. First one with the heart guys had me home today keeping a very close eye on myself and continuing on meds. The nephrologists, however, are thinking a kidney biopsy is in order first. That will take place tomorrow morning. There is a five-hour recovery period and after they get results I could possibly exit in the afternoon sometime or other. So that's the latest.
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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.