Re: update on Rick, Sunday

[Guest guest]

Please send my thoughts and prayers to Rich.

Subject: update on Rick, SundayTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, February 1, 2009, 3:52 PM

This morning I received this from Rick's wife and wanted to share it with you all,, keep them in your prayers,, I know you will, hugs,jaxDearest friends and family, We've known since we arrived home four weeks ago that something wasn't right with Rick. Labs confirmed the same thing. So, Rick has had two MRI's and another series of labs to define the problem. We've gone from the possibility of early liver rejection to problems with the circulation in his new liver. However, it's not so bad... It appears that one of the bile ducts leading into the liver is blocked. This will require opening it up with a balloon (like angioplasty) and inserting a stent to keep it open. After the procedure, he will have to have labs done more often and probably have the procedure done every 2-3 months. Lifelink has told us that this is not uncommon among transplant recipients, but it certainly feels

like one more in a string of things that have to be surmounted. The good news is that Rick will have this done in Tampa as an out-patient and we WON'T HAVE TO STAY IN TAMPA, except for a few days. He is due for a follow-up visit with Lifelink anyway, so we'll combine the two visits into one trip. We are vastly relieved that we can return home quickly and there is real hope that Rick will start to feel much better with a liver that's being given a chance to function correctly. With love to each and every one of you,