First things first though-Happy Anniversary, Geoff! It was our 5th wedding anniversary on Saturday. We had a GREAT weekend despite the shitty, shitty news on Friday. Thank-you Tim and Jenny.
Back to being fired up! After the call on Friday it was clear that in order for Geoff to get the treatment he needs (and highly deserves) we can't just sit in the back seat and let the doctors drive this whole thing. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE the doctors and do trust them, but Geoff is one of many patients. One of the surgeons called on Friday and made it very clear that Geoff is NOT eligible for a dual transplant (because the risk is too great considering he is a re-transplant). Well, that eliminates one of the options. As of now, it seems as if the only option is for Geoff to past the kidney test. So, my question to all of you...can I steal your pee? It will be just like high school when you borrowed your friend's pee to past the drug test (which I NEVER did-but have heard of it). Kidding. That won't work.
Fast forward to today. Geoff received a call from the kidney specialist and low and behold the kidney specialist really didn't think it was a big deal that Geoff scored low on test. Really? Okay, here's a genius idea-how about you doctors communicate with each other??? The truth is we already know that Geoff's kidneys are not that great and we know that the liver transplant could be risky as far as the kidneys go, but what's the other option? Nothing. So, we take the risk and move ahead because not getting a liver transplant for fear that the kidneys won't make it IS NOT an option.
The plan seems pretty straight forward in our minds. Getting the doctors to follow suit is another thing. We have some plans for the week to get things moving in the right direction.
- Kidney specialist appt. with Dr. T tomorrow. Geoff is going to get Dr. T on his side so that he can go to bat for him with the transplant team.
- Geoff is going to stop a medication that we think is throwing the test off (which my genius husband figured out on his own).
- Retake the kidney test on Friday and pray that he receives a "passing score"
- Research other transplant centers out of state just in case it comes to this and the doctors are not willing to move forward with us.
Are you fired up with us? Good, glad to hear it. :)
4 comments:
All it takes sometimes is a little fuel in the fire. Shitty news on Friday. Let me know what petition to sign to get everyone on the same page again and Geoff on the list! Hang in there!
Rick just said to give him your address and the pee will be in the mail tomorrow LOL.
Seriously though, I am glad that you have a plan. If you need to check out other states I have heard that the wait in our area is not long. And the University of Washington is supposed to have a great transplant team. I know it is far from home, but it might be worth looking into if you have trouble getting back on the list in Texas.
I am thinking about you!!
It seems like having kidney troubles should drive his MELD score up, not take him off the list.
We loved the University of Utah. Our hepatologist is Dr Hutson, 801-585-2641; surgeon was dr Schwartz, 801-585-2708. Scott's meld was 29 when he was transplanted, and it took a while to get it, but we LOVE the level of patient advocacy in their transplant team. We were very impressed.
As always, we are praying for you.
Way to take charge! You bet I'm fired up with you.
I totally understand taking issues into your own hands. In fact, I've got a post coming up on it. But quick overview....Seattle Childrens hospital has totally dropped the ball and I find it unacceptable. I am doing something about it....today!
Boy oh boy....we are both on fire :)
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