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

[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...

[sunspot]

I'll keep you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing with us.

Dana

[couchpotato]

There's just nothing more that I can add to what everyone has said before me. I echo all their sentiments and wish you nothing but the best.You know I'll be keeping close tabs on your progress and prognosis, keeping it tucked away in my hollow head in case we ever happen to go down the same road. Still think it'll be an adjustment to the meds. that'll make those nasty numbers start to decline. How's your creatinine now, by the way?

Gonna go have a smoke now, take care
Mattie

[painterlady13]

I am new here and have been reading for the last few weeks most of the threads, have seen you talk a little about your transplant.  I pray that all will be well for you.

[mikesimon]

That's funny Mattie that you'd think of the creatinine. It was significantly improved. I attribute that to the fact that I have been drinking a whole lot of water. It seems as though hydration is more important than I had realized. Of course, during my TXs I was always drinking water but after a while I slowed down. Now I make sure I drink at least a gallon a day. I hope you and your husband are well and happy.
Barb, it is great to see your name here. I remember your TX and how well you handled it. Thanks for your sweet words. You've helped plenty of people yourself.
Susan, you're MY hero.
Snook/Kim/Chevy, Hi you old friends and thanks for sticking with me.
Mike

[derail]

I ,too, echo the sentiments previously written. It has been along haul for you  and it was nice to get up to date on your progress Best regards my friend and what the hell           ride to live, live to ride  nothing like the wind in your face  Daryl