So Dr. Ottmann was just in and again tells me that I have been BLESSED with two extremely fine 19 yr old organs that are working supremely.
He tells me that he understands me being whigged over losing so much blood but again said that the connection of the pancreas to the rest of the system is the most likely culprit and that it will pass.
He counseled me to look 6 months down the road. He did, however, say that it was the bad kidneys that were killing me quick and that new one is working wonderfully. I pray that I read this wrong when I perceived an undertone of "so at least that's good even if the pancreas thing doesn't work out". He again told me what all my docs have - that the pancreas is a very touchy organ. This is a major reason that KP transplants aren't done on near the scale of kidney tx alone. He says that almost 1 in each 15 time a KP tx is attempted, the pancreas doesn't take.
This pancreas is working wonderfully.
We just need to stop the bleeding.
I haven't taken these steps forward to take any back.
Dr. O. Wants to disconnect almost all of the wires, tubes, sensors, today- keeping me in ICU under close watch. He also wants to start me on some real food.
So that's it from here for now.
Wish me luck.
Keep the faith.
AWESOME update Bob! That's what we want to hear! Keep up the good work, and keep the faith! Lov ya! Cuz Laura
ReplyDeleteDont attempt to read more into what the doc is saying...gotta stay positive. Bottom line...the organs are working wonderfully! The bleeding will slow in time...keep the faith! Unhooking a bunch of machines is another great sign of progress...so is real food!
ReplyDeleteGood luck...I hope you have a good day! :)
Sounds like GREAT news to us! Wishing you a FANTASTIC and continued POSITIVE day all the from sunny and HOT Arizona! Thanks for keeping us posted. Marilyn and Rick
ReplyDeleteAMEN! I have been keeping the faith!!! :) Jo
ReplyDeleteAh yes...the meds! The blessing and the curse of prednisone. I told you drugs can mess with your emotions and as a guy who keeps his emotions in check, I know that is hard. Remember, you have not had insulin so the pancreas is working so far. I agree with Beth, don't read into what the doc says. It sounds like they have been straight forward with you so go with that. Minus machines is a HUGE step and I hope you get food. Not having food would also add to my irritation ;). Still praying; still sending love.
ReplyDeleteBrannan Family Reunion this afternoon! We will celebrate The Irish Way!!! Here is to your new life!!! :) Jo
ReplyDeleteGood news!! On the positive side - 14 out of 15 times the pancreas does take. I like those odds!! Praying for you - Raymond
ReplyDeleteHere's a true story, with a twist at the end. Try to follow me...
ReplyDeleteYour first day in a creek and you encountered some pretty large rocks, which have proven to cause you much grief and anguish. You've passed by these rocks, but now clinging to your water-filled boat and your feet not touching the creek bed. (you weren't "messing" around) Your thoughts were "why the hell did I start this journey?...this isn't fun...I can't do this crap" (paraphrased to clean it up a bit). A friend was waiting for you on the other side. He helped you to empty the water out of your boat, dry your stuff, and get you back in the boat. Together you finished the journey, and had several wonderful stories to tell, from that day and from other journeys that followed.
You're on a different journey now. Your friends, your family, your medical specialists, your care-givers and last but certainly not least, God, are all here to help you back in the boat in the ways that each of us know how.
Am I stretching the similarity...perhaps. But you strived to finish that journey, and you trusted your friend that day in the creek. We are here for you, which you know, and we know that you'll have more stories, and more journeys after this one.
So we will continue to selfishly pray for what we want.. for your speedy improvement to full health. You are loved my friend. And it is true that there are so many more people praying for you than you can imagine.
Ahhh man.....thanks.
DeleteI mean that.
Thank You. That means a LOT to me.
I'm feeling all warm......like 'ya get when you have an uncomparably fine bowl of Ramen with a good friend along a dark river on a rainy night.
As in the comment above, Bob, people who you have never even met are going to God on your behalf. The power of the praying community is real. Let your body take its time to heal, not necessarily on your terms. The fully functioning organs are nothing short of a miracle!
ReplyDeleteYou are in good hands all around.
And again, thank you for taking us along on your journey.
is that story posted above about your bike accident back in the day? sounds rather familiar. If you could pull thru that...you can pull thru anything! :)
ReplyDeleteNo. That is a life's summation via a couple awesome kayak trips.
Deletecontinuing to pray for your recovery Bob.
ReplyDeleteGod's best to you!
Dona Hake