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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: bear60 on February 14, 2010, 02:29:18 pm

Title: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on February 14, 2010, 02:29:18 pm
My friend Bob who has been the subject of several threads here.....is waiting to be approved for a new liver.  He has Hep C and HIV and is experiencing liver failure.
He was recommended for a liver transplant by his doctors here in Philadelphia but was DENIED by Medicare. 
He has a deposition scheduled this week and I guess you will hear more soon.
Wishing him luck.  Lets send lots of positive energy his way.

Joel
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: BT65 on February 14, 2010, 06:42:27 pm
Energy sent, Joel.  I hope things move fast for him.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on February 15, 2010, 02:59:19 am
Positive energy on it's way!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on February 15, 2010, 09:57:23 am
damn medicare! can't live without 'em, can hardly live with 'em. ::)
Much good luck to BOB on a speedy deposition, a quick approval ..
and getting a nice new liver transplanted SOON. ;D

wow, though Joel. How long has he been waiting now? I know you had mentioned Bob at least last March. And we've almost come back around a full year to that. So he's been dealing with this quite some time. I guess the good thing is that he's held on so long; but how has he been doing then in this past year? I would imagine that the negative governmental/medicial issue and the length of time can't have done Bob's physical health nor mental health much good.

I'm thinking extra hard about my "good vibes" and making it extra strong so Bob can hang on and get through this criisis; so he enjoy things on the other side of this situation :-*
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: aztecan on February 15, 2010, 03:44:18 pm
Hey Joel,

Lots of positive energy heading his way.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on February 20, 2010, 09:45:06 am
Good news. 
Bob's deposition/hearing went real well.  There was a video hookup to a judge in OHIO and with doctors and with Bob here in Philadelphia.
Bob had to listen to all the doctors explain WHY he should get a new liver.  Also the doctors testified that there was no known reason why he is still alive.  When it came Bob's turn to testify, he just broke down and cried.
He has been approved for a new liver.  Now he just has to wait for one.
Its another miracle.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: BT65 on February 20, 2010, 02:44:34 pm
That's great news, Joel.  I'll still send some positive flows that way.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on February 20, 2010, 07:12:58 pm
OHIO
He has been approved for a new liver.  Now he just has to wait for one.
When it came Bob's turn to testify, he just broke down and cried.
WooHoo Ohio! and WooHoo for Bob!!! ;D That's great to hear.

When it came Bob's turn to testify, he just broke down and cried.
poor guy! sometimes that's all you can do to express such extreme emotions.

Let Bob know we thinking and hoping the good thots for a liver to come thru soon now! :-*
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Theyer on February 22, 2010, 12:26:42 pm
Thats wonderful, congrats has Bob made history-----t
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: unclespongebob on February 26, 2010, 02:35:24 pm
hey thats great ,let bob know that we are still praying for him
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Jeff G on February 26, 2010, 02:50:33 pm
This made my day !!!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: netta on March 10, 2010, 12:22:25 pm
Great news,
My brother had the same problem , couldn't get the operation, but he passed last year.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on March 13, 2010, 02:02:13 am
I haven't been on much lately so I'm a little late but that's great news!!!!  Now the real waiting begins so I'll keep on sending out that positive energy Bob's way.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 16, 2010, 07:49:17 am
I am doing some work for Bob at his house.  Yesterday he was describing a proceedure to bypass  blood going to the liver, so that it goes around his liver,  so it wouldnt make all that protein that fills him up.  I didnt really get all the details, but he is having this done soon.


He is otherwise about the same.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: anniebc on March 16, 2010, 05:17:56 pm

Hi Joel

It sounds like they are going to place a transvenous shunt into Bob...this is what they use to create a shunt in the liver then (I think) this is linked to portal vein and this starts draining the blood away from the liver with a stent...it's been along tiem since I did my general but if it's not this procedure then it will be something very similar, as far as I can remember.

Ok sorry to impose in your forum so I'll wish you and Bob well and get the hell out of here... ;D

Hugs
Jan :-*

Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 17, 2010, 08:40:19 am
Thanks Jan.
That sounds right.  He used "stent" and "shunt" to describe what the proceedure is.  I think this is aimed at making his kidneys work harder,  instead of the liver.  Am I right?

Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Ann on March 17, 2010, 11:08:00 am
It sounds like he has ascites. Shunting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascites#Shunting) is fairly common procedure before liver transplant.

I hope he gets his new liver SOON!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: anniebc on March 17, 2010, 06:21:01 pm
Hi joel

Yes the surgery will help the kidneys, the portal vien is used quite a lot in major organ surgery..or at least parts of it are.

As always Ann is right, shunting is a fairly common procedure.

Hugs to you both
Jan :-*
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 18, 2010, 01:38:18 pm
In medicine (gastroenterology), ascites (also known as peritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum or more archaically as abdominal dropsy) is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Ann...yup thats what he has.  He gets his abdominal cavity drained onece a week.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on March 23, 2010, 01:42:22 am
I always learn so much here ... either you guys are really smart or  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on March 23, 2010, 01:43:26 am
PS  Thanks for the update on Bob & (i know you will anyway but) please let us know how this procedure goes.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 23, 2010, 12:58:07 pm
Andy...
I thought the by pass proceedure was happening this week but I was wrong.  I'll let you know when it happens.

Joel
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 28, 2010, 12:02:53 pm
Bob is having the by-pass proceedure done on April 5th.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: RapidRod on March 28, 2010, 12:07:27 pm
Thanks for the update Joel.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on March 29, 2010, 12:38:48 pm
The (Philadelphia) AIDS LAW PROJECT is going to have an article/interview about Bob in an upcoming newsletter.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on March 29, 2010, 07:04:43 pm
wow. Keep us informed about that too. Though I don't post every time you update, I do pay attention to this this thread and think about your friend Bob. I know how my little brain worries just about keeping things together to keep the meds going, I can't imagine trying to hang on for an organ! :o Plus like that old adage "there but for the grace of god, go I" you never know what might befall you in the future, so it pays to follow these kinds of tales in case it ever happens to you.

Best wishes to Bob!!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 05, 2010, 02:45:50 pm
Well, as far as I know, Bob is having his liver bypass proceedure done today. 
Sendibng POSITIVE thoughts!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 07, 2010, 12:14:27 pm
Bob survived the proceedure Monday,  but because the drugs used during surgery were not clearing from his body very fast,  they kept him in the hospital for an extra night.  He should be going home today.  
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: RapidRod on April 07, 2010, 12:42:34 pm
Thanks for the good news Joel.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 10, 2010, 01:03:00 pm
Thanks Rod.
I am breathing a sigh of relief.  Every time Bob has a crisis my stress level goes way up.  Thats just how I am.  When Kurt was in the hospital getting a knee replacement and things went badly I nearly freaked out.  So, since Bob is such a long time friend and we are so closely tied to him and his partner Don, I feel the stress each time Bob faces a health crisis.  I guess really one could call this thread  "Support for Joel ".
Kurt spent Friday out at Bobs house and took him to a doctors appointment.  Seems Bob is doing ok... just tired.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: anniebc on April 11, 2010, 05:25:57 am
{{{{HUGS}}}}} just for you Joel... ;)

Glad to hear Bob is doing well.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 11, 2010, 11:15:01 am
Thanks Jan.
Well, as fate or whatever would have it, my 66th birthday celebration was scheduled for today and I just got a call from Don saying that Bob had been nausaeous and vomiting last night and they would not be able to come.  Shucks.
 It just sucks that Bob has had such a hard time.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on April 11, 2010, 01:47:54 pm
my 66th birthday celebration
It just sucks that Bob has had such a hard time.
Sorry to hear that Bob is still having such a rough go of things. My positive vibes must be on the fritz. LOL I'll have to go give'em a kick and see if I can't jumpstart them into being a little more helpful. ;) ;D

I'm sorry. I meant to say something to you back on the 6th; but I get "better late, than never" you know, so...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I bet you never thought, in your 20's, that turning older would be such a good thing. Best wishes and hope you have many more bdays to come! :-*
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 11, 2010, 06:02:56 pm
Mikie
Yea....well it still sucks.....and I had a very pleasant birthday celebration, none the less.  I just am sorry Bob was not well enough to attend.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: RapidRod on April 11, 2010, 09:10:45 pm
Mikie
Yea....well it still sucks.....and I had a very pleasant birthday celebration, none the less.  I just am sorry Bob was not well enough to attend.
Sorry Bob couldn't come but I hope you had a Happy Birthday.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on April 12, 2010, 03:23:32 pm
I'm glad Bob came through surgery ok and hope this is just a hiccup on his road to (slow) recovery.

I'm sorry I'm late but Happy Birthday!  66 ... WOW you're getting OLD  :D

Hugs & Stuff!!!
AA
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: aztecan on April 12, 2010, 08:09:18 pm
Hey Joel,

I am happy to hear Bob came through the surgery OK for the most part.

As for you, a belated Happy Birthday!  I hope the old saying holds true for you: May you live as long as you want, but never want as long as you live.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Andy Velez on April 16, 2010, 09:51:34 pm
Good to hear Bob came through ok. And that you have completed another year, Joel. Happy, happy belated birthday to you and good wishes to both of you.

You are one swell 66!

Cheers and hugs.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 17, 2010, 02:56:56 pm
Thanks Andy.  66 doesnt sound so bad now that I AM 66.  
News on Bob:
He has been in the hospital twice this week for ammonia induced dementia.  This happens when the ammonia level in his system gets too great...I understand, anyway.  If anyone has more to say on that type of "dementia" please do.  He is in the hospital today.
AND
Kurts back went out on Monday and he has been in a muscle relaxer daze since Monday.  I broke a tooth and had it repaired with a porcelain filling but the filling didnt hold as too much of the tooth was missing.  So I was back in for a crown, cap.... whatever..... this week and my mouth is still a little sore.  For those who have blood issues....there was blood all over the front of me and on the spit basin. My dentist has been dealing with HIV patients for years. HE wore the protective gloves and mask.
So, life goes on.

modified for spelling
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on April 17, 2010, 09:09:54 pm
He has been in the hospital twice this week for ammonia induced dementia.  This happens when the ammonia level in his system gets too great...I understand, anyway.  If anyone has more to say on that type of "dementia" please do.  He is in the hospital today.
poor Bob. issue after issue; but I'm still thinking of him. Things have got to turn around at some point!
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec10/ch135/ch135f.html
Hepatic encephalopathy (portal-systemic encephalopathy, liver encephalopathy, hepatic coma) is deterioration of brain function that occurs because toxic substances normally removed by the liver build up in the blood and reach the brain.

dang, you and Kurt seem to have your share of problems too. Now, stop that!  :D
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Jeff G on April 17, 2010, 09:21:16 pm
Hi Bear , Just want you to know I thinking of you . Your friend will be in my prayers .
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: unclespongebob on April 18, 2010, 07:22:31 pm
glad bob is doing well ,happy birhday bear60
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 24, 2010, 02:15:45 pm
Oh My God

Bob is going to Pittsburgh this week..... he is going to get a new liver.   
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: denb45 on April 24, 2010, 02:31:45 pm
Oh My God

Bob is going to Pittsburgh this week..... he is going to get a new liver.   

It's about time, that's Great News Joel  :)
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 25, 2010, 03:35:40 pm
It IS good news Dennis.
But...I had no idea that he was going so soon....he is right now...in an ambulance.... on a 5 hour ride to Pittsburgh.  This happens so quickly.
We have to take care of their house and cat while they are away. They have a cat named Buster and so do we.  How coincidental is that!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 25, 2010, 03:37:55 pm
That's really great news then!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: BT65 on April 25, 2010, 06:22:27 pm
Terrific, Joel! 
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 26, 2010, 11:02:05 am
Bob called me from Pittsburgh this morning......he is ok and his usual feisty self.

More later.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: BT65 on April 26, 2010, 03:44:41 pm
Good he's keeping that feisty attitude-I'm sure he's going to need it.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: leatherman on April 26, 2010, 05:03:14 pm
WooHoo!
best wishes to Bob for a successful surgery AND recovery!
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: Jeff G on April 26, 2010, 07:45:55 pm
Best wishes for Bob . He is blessed to have a friend like you .
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: RapidRod on April 27, 2010, 01:22:46 pm
Great news Joel.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: bear60 on April 28, 2010, 11:15:35 am
No BIG NEWS...but as you all know from Captn Carl.( one of our own AIDS MEDS members)..who recieved a new liver in San Francisco last year, the process of getting a liver includes taking up residence at the hospital where the proceedure is going to be performed.  Don, Bob's partner has rented a two bedroom apartment associated with the hospital. This is to accomodate him and all the relatives and friends who may be visiting Bob.  The stay may be up to 90 days.  This is no IN and OUT the same day stuff.
Meanwhile Bob has ordered that his spring perrenials be planted this weekend , so some friends will be at his house making sure the flower beds are just the way Bob wants them.
Oh by the way...this is the facility which gave Larry Cramer his new liver some years ago.
Title: Re: UPDATE: Bob
Post by: AndyArrow on April 30, 2010, 03:11:34 pm
As always good luck to Bob & now get planting!!!  ;)