Mikesimon's Thread

[mikesimon]

I have been coming here 4 years or so and I don't think I've ever started a thread. But, since I am going through this little drama and so many of you seem interested I thought it would be better to have a place where you can find out what's going on with me. To summarize my situation: I have a transplanted liver I got in June 2000. Recently I have had significant reduction in my FK dose whic ic my primary anti rejection drug. My enzymes started an upward trend aqbout 1 month ago and htis past Friday I had a biopsy. Monday I and my transplant surgeon and a liver pathologist will review the biopsy slides and decide how to treat. It sure looks like rejection and if it is there are 3 possible treatments. 1) FK dose adjustment 2) some kind of mild steroid treatment 3) an intravenous injection of a gram of steroid named Solumedrol(they call this a "blast"). This last option flattens the immune response thereby halting the cellular rejection immediately. I had 2 or 3 of these right after transplantation. Blasts shock the liver and the pancreas and I suspect that my diabetes can partially be attributed to the blasts. So my insulin requirements will increase significantly for a week or so and then hopefully settle down. Well, that's it and I want to thank all of you again for being there. Mike

[rearfang]

Thanks for the update, Mike. We're all pulling for you and please keep us posted.
Lauren

[Mister beagle bailey]

Man do you have your plate full, I wish you nothing but the best and your always in my prays.  I wish I could say don't worry and it will all go away.  But you know what your dealing with and I have no idea what your going through.  
Back in the 80's my brother-in-law had a heart attack at the age of 29 and by 31 had a heart transplant.  He did really well until he started smoking  and doing things he should not have.  He lived 16 years until his habits caught up with him.
I'm telling you this because you do every thing that's right and given your age, I believe you have a long life in front of you.

Hang in there and think positive, no matter what happens.

Beagle

[amirtracy]

Mike
I just signed on to see if you had posted. Monday huh? ok. listen please know i can't stop thinking about you. i'm praying to all the Gods...tracy

[Eyedeas]

Hiya Mike!  Man its been a ride!  In the years we've followed this road I've always looked for and valued your posts and well thought out advice to all questions.  You have handeled a lot of krapp and I have no doubt you will kick tail again in this case.  None of the options sound easy, none sound enjoyable, and none sound like a sure thing.  Just wanted to let you know we're cheering you on as you have always done for others.

Your friend,

Kim

[jmjm530]

Haven't been on much the last few days, and thank you very much for posting a thread where it will be easier for all of us follow your progress. I don't have to say how many people are feeling your pain, praying and rooting for you. All the best with your meeting Monday.

-- Jim

[can-do-man]

Glad the bx. went ok, hope all else turns out fine. The stress on you and your family must be hard. Wishing you the best. Take care

[Drarig]

Mike, Best of luck -- after reading many of the threads, it sounds like you've been through alot.  I hope everything works out for you.

[amommy]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you are feeling OK and can spend some time with your family this weekend.  I will be thinking of you, particularly on Monday.  Lots of us will be waiting for an update.

[dyce]

Thanks for the update on your condition mike, never heard of the steroids before . I'm sure your under the best of care !

[OnAPrettyPoison]

Mike, I will be thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.  Good luck on Monday - I am sure you will make the best possible decision.  Thanks for posting, please keep us posted on how you do.

[Bill1954]

Mike;

Thanks for opening a thread for us. As you well know, we all learn from others experiences in here. You

[honey11]

Mike,,,,Do something special this weekend for yourself!! Everyone loves mikesimon so you are at the right spot for support!  This has been a crazy past few days and very worrisome,,,,in fact can't think of a time that we all here at medhelp went through this except the time with Couch and her hubby!  Look how that turned out!  Great so I think this will all be the same and my prayers are with you! ((((hugs))))

[psychdoc]

Mike, I am pulling for you as always. You helped me so much when I was going through tx! I will pray for you. For those of you new, I have been clear of the virus for 2 1/2 years. I am f, 57 yrs old, 1a/1b and did tx for 48 weeks. I stop by this site now and then to check up on folks. There were so many who gave me support and encouragement. Thanks to you all. You know who you are. And especially thanks to you Mike. You brightened my day many times!
Best Wishes,
Barb

[susan400]

Mike,

I want to say, first of all that you've always been such a great support to all of us on line, THANK-YOU so much from me personally.  You're a really nice guy.  I will be having supportive and encouraging thoughts for you now.  I'll say a prayer for you, too.  Keep fighting the good fight my friend.

Susan

[Forseegood]

hey, wishing you the best and I know this will solve itself one way or another, as I've told you, some of my transplant friends had a few bumps in the road and have all settled into it and are fine now...I wish this for you and I know this will happen...

[kennedge]

my friend

you are a tuff one. i have the best thoughts and wishes going your way.

ken

ps stay off the scooter

[cquest]

Sorry to hear about your troubles dude...I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Here I sit feeling crappy and wishing my body was normal again when I should really be happy things aren't worse now shouldn't I?
Cin

[mikesimon]

I may be an eternal optimist but I don't think my situation is such a big deal. Of course I am concerned, but once the biopsy was done it was a great relief. The people I see are not overly concerned and they seem to believe I'll be back on track soon. I think I will be too. I don't mean to suggest that I haven't been pretty wound up about this but I am the kind of guy that need direction and immediate action. Once we got started I felt pretty relaxed and confident about things. So, while I really appreciate more than I can express the concern from you guys, I fell a little guilty becasue I am not really in that bad shape or in that dangerous territory - at least I sure hope I'm not. You guys are really great.  Mike

[mikesimon]

The doctor who did the biopsy said my liver seemed normal. I don't ever ask techs any questions because I was put into a tailspin once by a tech who didn't know what she was talking about - this was during a sonogram. That was about all he said and I wasn't asking. But, if I am in a mild rejection I wouldn't think that the gross architecture would indicate anything at all. We'll see it on the cellular level. Mike

[Pdilly]

I have not talked to you much but you seem to be one strong person.  You always seem positive even in such a precarious situation.  We will pray for you and with your attitude .... you have to be just fine.  Keep us informed.

[dog_lover]

Four years ... wow!  I'll bet you have witnessed and experienced a lot of fear, pain and triumph.  I'm sure you have considered what your words must mean to one of our brothers or sisters who just discovered that they are members of our club.  I think I have been posting now for about three or four weeks and I have received so much more than I have given on these pages I can only imagine how many people you have helped in those four years.  That sounds cliche but cliche's are born of fact.  I, for one would like to thank you for being there for all those people who have just found out they won a big lottery with an uncertain prize.
Take Care with Respect, Dog_Lover

[cuteus]

I have no doubts that Super lucky, resilient, Mikesimon is out to win another challenge!
It does not sound like easy to take treatments, but I believe that you will do whatever you have to  because life is so precious for you, and the survivor always finds a way.
try to have a good weekend and you have access to many friends' numbers, if you need to talk.

[giddyup]

Mike your strong positive attitude is a source of strength for me.I truly hope your days will be healthy and happy. Giddyup

[Snookmiester]

Ha, ha!!!! I was gonna tell you to stay off the motorcycle, but Kenedge already has that covered!!
Stopped by and just wanted to wish you the best. I know that nobody can say anything to put you at ease, as the waiting is ALWAYS the worst part.. i seem to believe from your comments and previous posts that you have the situation under control, and have the utmost respect and confidence in your medical team, so your one up on the situation.. Now, get your mind outta the gutter, and do something special this weekend. Take the wife out to a really nice restaurant, or treat yourself to something you normally wouldn't buy.. I know that usually makes me feel better! You can feel bad next month when the bill comes!! LOL