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

[amirtracy]

dammit mike you made me cry w/ that post to susan...
waiting along w/ you. let us know as soon as you can.   t.

[TravelGrl]

Mike,

Please stay strong my very dear friend..you are a huge survivor and this will just be like you said...a small bump in the road.. You are in mine and Amanda's prayers daily.. Please stay well.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow and hope you have  a good meeting with the Dr. and pathologist....please drop me a line with an update..

Love,
Jodi

[nolee]

Well man, your made SVR and now your new fuel filter is giving you trouble? That really sux. I don't know you but have read many of your comments which really helpled me get thru this crappy way to cure one's self (2b, 400,000, SVR 3 years this coming August). You know probably better than most to do what I did and what it looks like you are doing is find the BEST medical team you can find and follow their directions to the "t". 4 years before rejection is slightly common but pretty rare. I think you and your team are on the right track and just need to adjust meds, etc. kinda like a tune-up. Your gonna be fine man I feel it in  my heart. Anyone that can slay the dragon can conquer darned near anything so I have very positive feelings about you gettin this most recent issue solved. Keep a stiff upper lip and post some more so we'll know how your'e doing. I am having alot of post tx sx's I'm dealing with but aint about to give up. Let us know how your'e feeling and God's Speed. Neal

[Pharaoh]

Hi, Mike

I lurk on here to keep an eye on you, especially after that motorcycle crash. :) My dentist had nearly the identical wreck -- an old woman pulled out in front of him and stopped.  He laid the bike down, but broke his leg and his collar bone.  He'll never get on another one, either.  

Sorry to hear about your latest problem, but this too will pass.  Sounds like, whatever is causing it, you caught it early enough.  Good luck and godspeed.

GT

[DebbieDo]

Hello Mike  :)
I read a post somewhere else this morning and i was glad to see a post from you.  Probably don't remember me, i have been lurking about as long as you have.  I pray that you will have "excellent" liver biospy results tomorrow.  I will be praying from you.  Hello to everyone who knows me...........I'm doing great.
          Deb

[mikesimon]

Mine was a cadaver liver - 40 year old donor. If I can offer a little advice Susan, I wouldn't immediately close the door on your sister's offer if it comes to that. Let the experts examine her and determine whether she would be a suitable donor and allow them to assess the risk to her. Sometimes when a person has the opportunity to bless you with such a gift they really set their minds to getting as healthy as they can. My sister, who has always battled a weight problem, got in the best shape of her life in case everything else fell through. I didn't acquiesce to her being a donor either but she decided on her own to get prepared. After transplant I asked her for a hand getting out of a chair and she almost threw me across the room she was so strong. I asked her what she ahd been doing and she confessed that she'd been going to a gym and watching her diet in case I needed a piece of her liver. She truly blossomed. And I also believe it can be the most unselfish act one can do when they allow another to sacrifice for them. Just a thought Susan - I know you have probably heard all this and thought it out - but think again.
It's almost worth having this little drama because it brought out so many old friends. I won't again make the mistake of trying to name you all but you know who you are. I feel so very fortunate and blessed to have so much support from new members and some really old timers like me. Where did the time go? Thanks everyone and don't worry too much. I'll be fine. Mike