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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: bear60 on January 21, 2011, 02:17:44 pm

Title: Sad News about Bob
Post by: bear60 on January 21, 2011, 02:17:44 pm
As we Long Termers know, there is the flip side to all the posts that say "I am feeling so well that I may go back to work."  Indeed, many long termers are doing very poorly.  Often due to complications from drug abuse, resistence problems, or Hepatitis they are frequently homebound and marginally able to care for themselves.
Our friend Bob, who recieved a new liver this past year, has been told that his kidneys have failed.  He will have to go thru a year of Interferon on top of the dialysis, in an effort to clear his system from Hep B.  He told me that "the main side effect from interferon is feeling suicidal.  But that is when you know the drug is working". Good lord. Really?
Since his partner has posted this on Facebook, I dont feel any problem with talking about it here.
Quote:
It's been a while since I posted a Bob update. His liver is working great but the kidneys were also damaged by the HepB & he now will need a kidney transplant. We went back to UPMC in Pittsburgh this past weekend for evaluation. Once he is listed, then it's a wait for a kidney to become available unless a living donor that matches is available. Of course, I will be tested to see if I am a match.

Additional Bob update; Bob goes to HUP today to have an access port inserted and to begin dialysis. We are hoping to do home dialysis, either 2-3 hrs a day, 6 days a week, or 8 hrs, three times a week and avoid going to a dialysis center."
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: Jeff G on January 21, 2011, 02:32:47 pm
Sorry to hear of the setback . Your friend Bob sounds like a real fighter , at least he has that and good friends like you to help him through . Im wishing all of you peace and the best of luck .

 
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: anniebc on January 21, 2011, 08:03:13 pm
Dear Joel

I'm so sorry to hear about Bob, thinking of him, you and all his friends and family.

{{{hugs}}}
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: J.R.E. on January 21, 2011, 09:11:36 pm
Joel,

Very sorry to hear this latest news. I Will keep Bob in my thoughts.


Ray
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: BT65 on January 22, 2011, 05:30:33 am
Oh Joel, that's very sad.  I hope a match can be found for Bob, without him having a long wait period.  Boy, just when you think things are looking up.......
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: bear60 on January 22, 2011, 11:00:43 am
Thanks for the thoughts guys.  Well, on the bright side, his liver is working!!!!  I hope he can survive this latest setback.
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: aztecan on January 22, 2011, 12:49:02 pm
Hey Joel, 

Sorry to hear about Bob.

I will be sending lots of positive energy his way.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: Jeffreyj on January 24, 2011, 11:21:54 pm
Bob is a brave man. I can't imagine what he is going through. I just want to say: What an amazingly strong individual he is.. We are all better for having BOB in our lives.

Thanks so much, Bob!
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: bear60 on January 25, 2011, 01:19:10 pm
Thanks Jeff.
If it wasnt for the wonderful support Bob gets from his life partner, he would not have survivwed to this point.  In fact, Don has offered him a kidney if he is a match.
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: AlanBama on January 25, 2011, 02:30:46 pm
Wow Joel, he has had a rough time, hasn't he?  Tell him he's in our prayers...

Alan  :'(
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: decayingsinner on January 26, 2011, 07:48:12 pm
My hopeful thoughts are with you. I hope everything works out for the best.
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: sorryass on March 13, 2011, 09:22:59 pm
As a new member, I do not personally know "Bob", but please know he is in my thoughts and prayers.  As is his partner, a very brave and compassionate soul.

As my wonderfull sister inlaw would say "Blessings"
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: Theyer on March 14, 2011, 05:01:38 pm
Sorry to hear that, what a battle ,I remember when you told us about the liver transplant being pleased to hear that news.
mhtv
Title: Re: Sad News about Bob
Post by: CaptCarl on March 14, 2011, 09:11:35 pm
Hey Joel-

   Sorry to hear the bad news about Bob. That dialysis can be a bitch for sure. Having been through a liver transplant myself, I can totally identify with that part of Bob's issues. Done the Interferon thing too. Made me suicidal as well, but in my case it didn't work. Did two regimens of that shit, and have to say Never Again.

   I will send good thoughs Bob's way. I know what a struggle he has gone through. The dude could really use a break at this point. Good luck to both Bob, and all those close to him who are pitching in to et him through.

CaptCarl