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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: bear60 on May 07, 2010, 11:21:58 am

Title: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 07, 2010, 11:21:58 am
The surgery took place last night and he is in ICU.
I started this thread to celebrate his getting a new liver and a new beginning.  I will update this thread and not the other one.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: WillyWump on May 07, 2010, 12:04:35 pm
Congrats to Bob! and you!

-Will
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Jeff G on May 07, 2010, 12:13:12 pm
Wonderful news !!! The kind I love to hear .
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on May 07, 2010, 12:52:14 pm
that's great news. kudos to Bob and here's to a quick, speedy, fast, complete recovery and renewed life afterwards.  ;D
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: BT65 on May 07, 2010, 06:21:32 pm
Great news, Joel!  Hopefully his recovery will go well.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: RapidRod on May 07, 2010, 06:29:12 pm
Glad to hear the good news Joel..
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: J.R.E. on May 07, 2010, 06:33:36 pm


That's fantastic news Joel !!  Wishing Bob all the best, and a speedy recovery.


Ray
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 10, 2010, 07:45:08 am
UPDATE
May 10,2010
Bob has been taken off the respirator and is alert.
 His partner Don is sending out text messages....but we dont have a cell phone so we dont see those. 
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 10, 2010, 08:43:40 am
we dont have a cell phone so we dont see those. 

Get it together sista!

Congrats on the great news and progress with Bob.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: anniebc on May 10, 2010, 04:47:21 pm
Great news about Bob..look forward to the updates and more good news.

Hugs
Jan :-*
P.S..get a cell phone.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: denb45 on May 10, 2010, 10:26:48 pm
Good News Joel, Thanks for the update, I only wish Bob continued good health and well being  ;)
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: sharkdiver on May 11, 2010, 02:29:01 pm
Great News Joel.

 ;D
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: aztecan on May 11, 2010, 09:37:09 pm
Hey Joel,

That is fantastic news!

I will send copious amounts of healing, happy energy his way.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 14, 2010, 04:49:22 pm
Update on Bob from 5-12-10

slow and steady progress; kidney still a worry; lungs improving but still needs O2.
still in ICU but will most likely move to floor tomorrow. It will be nice to have a window
to the outside world.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on May 14, 2010, 08:00:19 pm
slow and steady progress
but it's progress! ;D Bob's been down quite a while so it sounds like it's going to take him a while to recover too. Tell him we're all thinking, praying, and hoping the best for him, to hang in there!!!
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 15, 2010, 11:57:40 am
Mikie
Bob will be "living" at the hospital for several months. 
This is his latest update:
5-14-10
Everything proceeding well; Bob's bitching about the food of course. Kidney
function slowly improving. Non-eventful day, which is good. Still has some
lung issues but his capacity went from 750 to 1250 max on the AirLife,so that
is proceeding as well. Still has a chest tube which is a pain in the ass as far
as mobility. Once that comes out, it will be a lot easier for him to start
PT.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on May 15, 2010, 01:51:52 pm
Bob will be "living" at the hospital for several months. 
Good God! :o I'll keep Bob in my thots everyday then. (leatherman makes a note on his calendar ;) ) I can't imagine "months". Just those 60 days with Jim in the hospital was unbearable as nearly every moment of that was an intense struggle for the doctors (and me and Jim) to keep Jim alive. I sure can empathize with what Bob, his partner, family and friends are going through.

Everytime you see Bob, or talk to him, or pass a message along, make sure he knows there's a crowd here wishing and hoping him well through all the rough days and all the good days in the future as he recovers.  ;D :-*

ps non-eventful days are the best  ;) ;D
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 19, 2010, 08:25:18 am
Here is our latest update on Bob.  Seems he is scheduled to be "discharged" to live at the apartment there at the hosptal complex. At least it wont feel like a hospital room.

Update: Uneventful for last few days; kidney function continues to improve; off oxygen,
chest tube removed today. He has one drain still in place (called a T-tube) that will stay in place for 3 months but doesn't have a bag attached. It;s there in case it's needed later. All meds pre-transplant restarted, except for laculose and xifaxin.

But the big news is that he will most likely be discharged on Friday!
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Jeff G on May 19, 2010, 08:31:56 am
That's wonderful news . I hope he will be more comfortable in his new place .
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on May 19, 2010, 10:00:05 am
I wouldn't call all that uneventful :D
he's off O2, the chest tube is gone, his kidneys are improving gradually daily, he's restarted nearly all his pre-trans meds AND he's going to move into a hospital apt and out of one of those horrid hospital rooms.
Like JG said, that's wonderful news! ;D And thank you for passing it along.

send Bob our love! :-*
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Miss Philicia on May 19, 2010, 10:47:38 am
Good news, Joel
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: RapidRod on May 19, 2010, 01:34:46 pm
Glad to hear Bob is doing good Joel.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: anniebc on May 19, 2010, 03:57:02 pm
That's wonderful news Joel.

Hugs to you all
Jan :-*
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 20, 2010, 09:23:23 am
Its just amazing how resilient the human body is.  Bob has been through so much, its almost unbelievable that he is doing this well.  I hope he makes it the rest of the way. 
His partner Don, is a man of few words....so yes..."uneventful" really meant "wonderful".
Thanks to everyone who has given Bob hope.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 20, 2010, 02:30:17 pm
Todays update from Don:

Bob Update. Thr, May 20, 2:15pm.

Continued good and uneventful progress, off prednisone which is good as it was making him testy. Once a week ProGraf tho that may change to twice a week at some point. Discharge still planned for Friday; we've moved to the waterfront apartment, where we'll be the rest of the stay here in Pitt.

Wow.  It just keeps getting better. 
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 26, 2010, 06:01:10 pm
Bob was released and went to the apartment but seems he had a lung issue (partial collapse) and was put back in the hospital.  Last night we spoke to Steve (another friend of Bob) who was there and who said Bob may be able to get to the apartment in the next few days.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on May 26, 2010, 06:34:55 pm
tell him to hurry back to the apt cause that's where I addressed the card to.  :D

got my fingers crossed that this is just a temp problem  ;)
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on May 27, 2010, 08:52:49 am
I wouldnt worry about that Mikie, Bob's partner or Steve will get the cards to him.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: sharkdiver on May 27, 2010, 11:51:51 am
Sending good thoughts
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: unclespongebob on June 02, 2010, 10:09:11 pm
that is great hope it give u a long life bob
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on June 06, 2010, 11:26:50 am
Updates on Bob have slowed down a lot because Bob seems to be out of immediate danger and the goals now are to try to get his functions back to or closer to normal.
so heres todays update:
"no news is good news. Out of hospital and back at the apt. Things going OK. Still retaining fluids and having
urinary problems Had a paracentesis Friday and I think he will need to get  them weekly for a while until
the new liver kicks in full-time. One of his meds is causing some hallucinations, mostly auditory. He thinks
he hears people talking to  him; esp at night he is very talkative in his sleep, which he almost never does.
This should clear up as he gets use to the med."
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on June 06, 2010, 01:17:24 pm
Out of hospital and back at the apt.

One of his meds is causing some hallucinations, mostly auditory. He thinks he hears people talking to  him
It's really good to hear that Bob is back in the apt. A change of venue, especially to more comfortable, homey surroundings is always good for the recovery. ;)

as long as the little voices aren't telling him to kill people (I watch way too many horror movies LOL) then that isn't the worst news.  :D ;D

Give Bob and Don some hugs and love from me and the boyz! :-*
and keep a couple hugs for yourself  ;)
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: RapidRod on June 06, 2010, 03:28:25 pm
Thanks for the update Joel.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on June 10, 2010, 04:59:32 pm
I'm glad to say that I have another update on Bob.  One of his good friends who now lives in British Colombia, Canada.....will be here for a week.
The question I asked was: Is Bob able to get around and walk?  The response:
"He watches TV mostly, some reading. He can get around a bit but he's still retaining a lot of fluid, in his belly,
lungs and legs, so walking is hard.

He's back in the hospital now for a tap and a lot of tests to try to get a reason why he's retaining
so much fluid and get a plan in place.

One of his meds (ProGraf, for rejection) is causing tremors and also some halluicinations; At night, he's started to talk in his sleep and has some hand movements. I think he's channeling his dreams. I hope these go away as he adjusts to this meds but they tell us they may not as long as he is on this med.
 
It;s frustrating and we;re both exhausted,

Mike  comes today for a week visit, so that will be nice.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: anniebc on June 10, 2010, 05:58:02 pm
Hi Joel

Sorry to hear about this setback, I can understand the frustration you must all be going through, not to mention the upset it's causing everyone, specially poor Bob.

Enjoy your time with Mike.

Hugs to you all
Jan :-*
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on June 11, 2010, 11:47:35 am
Thank you Jan, you are so kind. 
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: BT65 on June 12, 2010, 07:43:30 pm
Aw, sorry about the fluid retention, and the problems the anti-rejection med is causing.  I wonder if he would be able to take another one.  I suppose there are more pertinent issues, with the fluid and all.

Thanks for the update, Joel, and have fun with the guy from Canada.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on July 05, 2010, 01:30:30 pm
hey Joel! ;D hope you had a good 4th.

how are things with bob?
are he and Don still in the apt?

i keep thinking about those two and thinking happy thoughts for them :-*
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on July 06, 2010, 05:48:18 pm
Hi Mikie
Yes, Bob is still in PITTSBURGH, staying at the rented apartment. Unfortunately he is in and out of the hospital because he still is retaining fluid and has to be drained.  Its unclear why the new liver isnt taking care of the retention of fluid.
We hope the end of August he wil be back in Philadelphia.
Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on July 06, 2010, 07:24:15 pm
We hope the end of August he wil be back in Philadelphia.
that sounds like a good thing to hope for.  :D

stupid new liver! maybe it needs a spanking or a couple of drinks to kick-start into working properly. LOL

Tell B&D that I'm still thinking of them :-*, and hoping that, even with these problems, that in a couple of months, they can look back on all this as a bad memory.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Andy Velez on July 07, 2010, 08:48:09 am
Hi Joel,

Just want to throw into the mix that a friend had the op over 5 years ago, was in bad shape at the time and is significantly older than Bob. Today he is in fine, out and about and in better health than he was in most of the earlier years I knew him.

So as understandably discouraging and even scary as this post-op time can be, it can be gotten through and the change a new liver is going to make for Bob is going to be amazing once things settle down.

Hugs to you and Bob and best for a continuing recovery.

xo
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on July 07, 2010, 01:25:35 pm
Thanks for the encouraging words Andy.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: unclespongebob on July 13, 2010, 08:32:28 pm
 ;D  thats great  ;D
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on August 06, 2010, 10:18:47 am
The latest news from Bob is that he may be able to come home in September.  This seems like an awfully long time to have to stay at or close to the transplant center.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on August 06, 2010, 10:50:08 am
Ouch! Five to six-ish months from getting a liver to returning home. :o Poor guy; but it IS better than the alternative. ;) Hopefully, in a decade Bob can look back on this as just a small amt of time invested in regaining his health and guaranteeing a long life.

Don't forget to always remind him that we are thinking about him and hoping the best! ;D :-*
(and thank you for the updates!)
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on August 12, 2010, 11:21:18 am
Bob is out of the hospital and if he can stay out for 4 weeks, they will let him go home.  Man,  I hope he makes it this time.  (He is still in Pittsburgh, at the apartment they rented near the transplant center.)
I have been enjoying freash tomatoes out of his garden as he isnt here to harvest them.. ...there is nothing like fresh picked tomatoes.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on August 31, 2010, 11:41:43 am
Bob may be home in a week.
Yesterday, I supervised a three person cleaning crew at Bob and Don's house.  There was a layer of cat hair on everything.  The refrigerator was a mess.  No cleaning had been done in five months. 
So, now the house is ready for Bob to come home.
I hear that one of his sisters is freaking out about the cat.  She thinks its a bad idea to have one in the house with Bob.  I have a feeling Bob wont put his cat up for adoption.
Lets all hope for the best......

Joel
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on August 31, 2010, 03:15:50 pm
Yesterday, I supervised a three person cleaning crew at Bob and Don's house.
Jim and I had a friend in the hospital and rehab for 4 months (copd, a lung half destroyed from smoking etc). Before he came home, we scrubbed down the entire place to not only get rid of the smoke-smell and stain; but to get rid of any lingering germs since our friend was coming home in a weakened state. Congrats to you and the crew for being diligent friends. ;)

I hear that one of his sisters is freaking out about the cat.  She thinks its a bad idea to have one in the house with Bob.
although i'm a dog-person (ok. I had a cat once. she outlived 7 cockers and Randy, and died at 19. so one cat was plenty for me), i've got nothing against cats; but what I do know is that people with pets (because of the responsibility and companionship) live longer and happier lives. So unless Bob has any objections, it's his house and the kitty should stay.

Besides, would the sister consider giving away her child? Then why should Bob and Don entertain the thought about giving away theirs? ???

Bob may be home in a week.
Wow!! That is excellent news and I'm very happy for Bob ... and for Don
tell them I said WooHoo!! ;D :-*

and thank you for the update Joel! ;)
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Jeff G on August 31, 2010, 05:05:10 pm
Thanks for the update , I was visiting my friends Jim and Ricky the other day and they asked about him , now I have some good news to share   
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: CaptCarl on August 31, 2010, 07:55:27 pm
Joel-
   Please extend my best wishes to Bob and Don, for all they have been through so far. Not to mention what they will be going through in the future. If you remember me from awhile back, you may remember that I had a liver transplant about a year and a half ago. My circumstances went the other way though: Out of the hospital in 5 days, and sent back home to New Mexico in a scant 4 weeks after being released from the hospital. I can empathize with what they are ging through, both individually and as a couple. Not easy or fun.  Idon't know either Bob or Don, but please tell them that they have a person out there who has walked that path. If there is anything I can do to help in the way of support, please PM me for my contact info.

   And let me not forget to thank YOU for the things you have done to help out. I know when it came time for me, I couldn't have done it without a lot of help from a lot of people. You, my Ursine friend, have my profound and sincerest respect for what you have done.

Sincerely, CaptCarl
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on September 05, 2010, 11:51:14 am
Carl....you are a very brave guy who deserves all the best life has to offer. I hope Bob has your recuperative powers.
But...we'll soon find out as
BOB IS DUE HOME ON THE 9TH OF SEPTEMBER
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Andy Velez on September 05, 2010, 06:47:09 pm
Joel, it's good to hear that Bob will be coming home soon. And having his cat there to meow and make him feel welcome is going to be a good thing, whatever his sister's concerns maybe.

Here's wishing a wonderful and loving homecoming.

Big hugs to all.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 05, 2010, 08:18:18 pm
Glad to hear about Bob!  Joel, now that the weather is cooling down we'll have to get together for drinky-poos at Knock.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: aztecan on September 05, 2010, 09:56:06 pm
Great news about Bob.

I will be keeping him in my thoughts.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: BT65 on September 07, 2010, 04:07:38 am
That's great news about Bob, Joel.  I'll be wishing for his continued recovery.  Wow!
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on September 09, 2010, 12:43:48 pm
At long last I can end this thread by saying:
Bob is home.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Jeff G on September 09, 2010, 12:51:58 pm
Wonderful happy ending !
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: leatherman on September 09, 2010, 07:48:15 pm
AWESOME!
WooHoo Bob! ;D
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: sharkdiver on September 12, 2010, 11:24:30 pm
YEAH!
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: AlanBama on September 13, 2010, 07:43:35 pm
Sure hope he does get to come home this month...keep us posted.

Hugs, Alan
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on September 14, 2010, 01:34:26 pm
Hi Alan
He is home.  As of Sept 9th.  His Mom is staying with him this week. So far so good.

Joel
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: Jeffreyj on September 18, 2010, 05:25:32 am
Joel,
What great news! What a long haul this has been for you both. I hope everything goes well upon his return home. This is such a wonderful story!
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: bear60 on September 18, 2010, 11:41:31 am
Everyone here has been such great support...not just for Bob...but for me too.  I felt very emotional about Bob and his ordeal.  Without you guys the road would have been more difficult.
Title: Re: BOB HAS A NEW LIVER
Post by: sharkdiver on September 18, 2010, 11:50:24 am
That's why we're here.