October 28, 2011

Oct. 28, 2001
 
I just thought I should give you a quick update.  The transplant team met yesterday and could not come to any conclusion about what is causing my symptoms.  Again, frustration is what I am feeling most right now.  I think that we have come to the conclusion that we need some additional opinions.
 
It has been suggested that we try to set up a consultation at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ.  We are now working toward that end.  There are several hurdles to overcome to have our insurance agree to cover this consultation.  We are working on that now.
 
As a follow up, soon after our united prayers went out to my niece Krista, the doctors found an antibiotic which seemed to do the trick.  Thanks to you, she is on the mend.  Again thanks for your thoughts and prayers on behalf of myself and my family.
 
Best wishes,
 
Mike

October 26, 2011

Oct.26, 2011



After my last update, I mentioned that they now want to look at my heart to see if anything is amiss there. Yesterday I went to the heart and lung clinic and they did a right side catheter procedure. This was supposed to check the pressure in the right side of my heart to make sure the blood wasn’t being slowed down into my liver. They put the catheter in through the right side of my neck and into my heart.



As you might have guessed, my heart is strong and healthy, pumping blood at an above average rate. Absolutely no problem there. We can’t blame the heart for any of my symptoms. The big question now, is “Where do we go from here?” The surgeons and transplant doctors are meeting tomorrow to determine what the next course of action should be. My opinion is no more worthless and expensive tests. I will admit I am somewhat discouraged at the lack of diagnosis. We are considering a couple of things which would entail finding other doctors at other locations. There are problems with that as well, but I won’t get into that.



For now, could I ask you to redirect your thoughts and prayers to my Brother Dave’s handicapped daughter Krista who is very sick with pneumonia and an infection? She needs the help right now more than I do.



I consider good friends and family the most important thing in my life. I really appreciate all of you for your thoughts and prayers. I will let you know when I have something else to report.



Mike

October 14, 2011

 
I thought that when I next reported that I would have some news for everyone.  At the transplant center, yesterday, a committee of doctors, nurses and surgeons met about my case and the results from my biopsy.  Their conclusion was:  “We don’t know “.  Guess on the positive side, there is nothing life threatening going on with my liver.  By the same token, are we going right back to where we were in the summer?
 
The transplant people now want me to have a right heart catheter or angiogram.  They go into my heart with a wire which is placed into a large vessel in one of my legs.  By TV screen, they guide the wire into the right chamber of my heart.  They can do a number of things once they get in there.  I think the purpose is to check the blood flow from the heart to the liver. They can also open closed off vessels in necessary.
 
I can’t believe we are back to looking for something else.  Anyway, I will do what I can to help in a diagnosis and cure.  I continue to feel pretty good and will try my best to stay positive and do what I can to get better.
 
Frustrated beyond measure; Regards,
 
Mike

October 11, 2011

 
October 11, 2011
 
I thought a quick update was in order based on the last few days. As I said in my last update I mentioned that I had an appointment with the transplant center in Salt Lake.  The appointment of Friday was interesting.  I was told that all my symptoms point to liver failure, but the last couple of biopsy did not show that.  In case you are not familiar with a biopsy the poke a needle into my liver and it brings out a small piece of the liver that can be examined.
 
The last two that I have in the summer did not show anything special was happening with my liver.  After that we continued to try and find causes for my symptoms.  So they made an appointment for another biopsy yesterday.  Who goes into a procedure like that hoping that it shows my liver is failing?  Anyway, that was my mindset because they will not put my name on the transplant list unless the biopsy shows something.
 
When we were about to start the procedure they found I had too much fluid to do the biopsy safely.  So they drained three liters of fluid off my abdomen.  As before, it was like giving birth to a six pound baby.  The losing of six more pounds was secondary to relief I felt having that fluid gone.  After which they did the biopsy.  The results will not be known for about two days.  Here’s hoping it turns out bad.
 
Thanks for all your encouragement and best wishes on behalf of me and my family.
 
Mike