Update on Joe

[Guest guest]

Hi all,Just got back from the VA Hospital and Joe is doing remarkably well. Trying to get out of bed and such. I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes and let you all know that I really appreciate you for being here and having this group. When Joe was diagnosed with ESLD, I knew NOTHING about it. I was scared out of my wits. What is worse....I didn't have ANYONE to talk to....even though I mostly read what you all write about....IT helped me SO much. I learned so much from all of you and it made me a little less scared. And to think that I would actually meet someone who lives in the town that we were going to! That could have never happened if it weren't for this group!!!!You all deserve a big thank you from me and IF I could EVER do anything for any one of you.....please don't ever be afraid to ask.Now let me say a little about the VA health care system. That seems to be a big topic these days.Joe is service connected with his Hep C. He has never paid one cent for any of his medical care, since he was "rated" back in 1998. He is not 100% service connected compensated but 50% which is the magic number for health care. Joe was working up til July of last year since he only gets a small compensation check from the VA. But that is okay, hearing what the alternative would be if he wasn't. We could not have afforded this transplant nor any of the medications that Joe will need for the rest of his life. Ya know something.....I don't care that we are dirt poor and live from month to month....we hardly ever go out and we pay for the bills....barely, I am just so dog gone happy to have been given a chance to live a long life with Joe. We are happy and that is all that matters to me. Thank goodness that the VA was there for him. Joe loved being in the Army, he still gets a tear in his eye when he sees the flag, or the flag goes by. If he did not get sick with Hep C when he did (diagnosed in 1990) he would still be in the ARmy if they would have let him. He was in for 18 1/2 years, only getting out because he was sick.ALL the doctors and everyone that we have come in contact with are truly awesome. I have every confidence in the world in them. Just my two cents worth.Blessings to all, and thanks to all. Ali