Sunday, May 16, 2010

May Hospital Stay, Day 2

So, it's Sunday at UCSF and Robert J is declining the opportunity to speak for himself, so I will do my best to update his situation. As has so often been the case, he is keeping his docs jumping through hoops trying to pin down a diagnosis and treatment plan for this sudden set of symptoms. His temperature has been up and down since he was admitted yesterday, and he continues to feel very sleepy and lethargic. For a short time the diagnosis was a renal stenosis or blockage, but a couple of ultrasounds this morning have apparently ruled that out. There is definitely some kind of infection going on, and possibly rejection of the kidney.
The heart and kidney teams are anxious to pin down the situation, since the essential meds to suppress his immune system need to be increased if rejection is the problem, and decreased if infections are the issue.
He will be spending another night here, and more tests are likely to be done on Monday. Of special interest is that recently diagnosed BK virus, and what role if any it is playing in all this.

Andy and Linsey made a trip down from Sacramento for a visit, which cheered up RJ as much as he can be cheered right now. He is very unhappy to have Mr. Foley back in his life, and is very uncomfortable at this point. I will hope to have a more upbeat report tomorrow, and we both look forward to getting over this latest bump in the road to recovery.
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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.