Re: update on rick

[Guest guest]

i can imagine the feeling he must have as he said just to sit out on the small porch and get a breath of fresh air, so glad to hear he is out of the hosp also, and melissa strong as ever as rick, redjaxjm wrote: Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a

home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Welcome back to the apartment Rick, more baby steps now until

you get your land legs back. You and remain in our hearts

and our prayers..

Love and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went

to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

I have so much thanks and gratitude to hand out to you all. anne, I'm still working on some esoteric hair colorings! I have been reading all the posts, but still don't have the strength or gumption to write much of a response. Plus, my fingers can't find the correct keys half the time! And why has the "backspace" become the hardest on to find?? lol.

Very slowly getting better, but this has been a bigger battle than I had forethought. I love for doing all that she can in communicating with you as well as taking care of me. I must be a rather difficult bugger right now! I'm a bit jealous of Butch right now, as his recovery seems to be progressing quite well. However, there's something in me that methinks is a bit glossed over in your recovery, eh, Butch!!?? Nothing's a piece of cake with this Dragon, from first diagnosis to first shot and on to all the rest, never forgetting the emotional aspects. And speaking of emotionally, the past few days have been the absolute worst for me. I had never broken out severely crying like I have been, totally out of control, lost, and desperate. Thankfully, these episodes are fairly short lived so I can move onward. And I always have that loving body next to mine, assuaging me of negative thoughts. I have been consciously trying to force my thinking over to the "healthier" side, usually with success. I've been watching a lot of the HGTV shows about decorating one's home, and since I haven't been home since July, I already have about 10 redoes available! I want COLOR, damn it! Bland be damned. After this recent stint of crappola, I only want artistic musings and happy beings around me. Hmm, I wonder why the 2 cats don't seem to give a shit about me! I am constantly thinking of all of you, old and new, but with equal love and wonderment at our human spirits. Fighting forward is so much easier and meaningful with the immense support and logic we receive in this forum. And , I do understand where your head's at right now. I've done the same thing, and have always been so relieved and unified with others upon re-communicating with our little world here. I'll be back more shortly, but just had to get some thoughts and feelings off my personal space. And Jax, thanks for all your help with and your forwards of the messages to the forum. p.s.: Brain fart I almost forgot to ask! Over the past 3 to 5 years, it seems that and I have lost most of our local "friends" here. Of course, Florida is made up of imports like us, often with little shared background. Lately, however, I have been wondering about moving to a nearby "community", where people actually do get together socially to shoot the breeze. I'm at the point where I could really use some local friends in this strange life, as could , too. Have others of you suddenly become this lonely and wanting! Between my whacked out head and the disease severity, "what's up, Doc" has become an unknown direction! Well, I meant to write only a few sentences as a general response, and must be up to 3 or 4, so the bed and the couch and my woman's breasts are all beckoning for my comforts and needs. I feel as if I could live the next several months sitting in a hot bathtub, head turned upward to , while suckling through the tears of love, helplessness and gratitude. Tears are coming, so I'm gone until tomorrow. Man, is this an experience. Again, my sincerest love to all. Rick

Sheena

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:16 PM

Subject: Re: update on rick

Welcome back to the apartment Rick, more baby steps now until

you get your land legs back. You and remain in our hearts

and our prayers..

Love and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Rick Darlin

It has been my pleasure to stay in contact with your lovely wife and to keep our group updated how you were doing! We were ALL pullin for ya hon and we went through the ups and downs right along with you and will continue to be here for you.. You're a trooper hon, you inspire us and your wife is amazing!!!

You rest now, cry when you need to, its good to release those feelings and not bottle them up.. We care, We're here for you and so until tomorrow, Im praying that you are resting and getting some much needed 'restful' sleep!

love ya buddyJackie

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went

to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Rick. Welcome back.

And

thank you for the inspiration. I know I’m facing a transplant at

some point and following your journey has given me courage to continue.

J Matchinsky

From:

Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Rick

Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:36 PM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: Re: update on rick

I have so

much thanks and gratitude to hand out to you all. anne, I'm still working

on some esoteric hair colorings! I have been reading all the posts, but still

don't have the strength or gumption to write much of a response. Plus, my

fingers can't find the correct keys half the time! And why has the

" backspace " become the hardest on to find?? lol.

Very slowly getting better, but this has been a bigger battle than I had

forethought. I love for doing all that she can in communicating with you

as well as taking care of me. I must be a rather difficult bugger right now!

I'm a bit jealous of Butch right now, as his recovery seems to be progressing

quite well. However, there's something in me that methinks is a bit glossed

over in your recovery, eh, Butch!!?? Nothing's a piece of cake with this

Dragon, from first diagnosis to first shot and on to all the rest, never

forgetting the emotional aspects. And speaking of emotionally, the past few

days have been the absolute worst for me. I had never broken out severely

crying like I have been, totally out of control, lost, and desperate.

Thankfully, these episodes are fairly short lived so I can move onward.

And I always have that loving body next to mine, assuaging me of negative

thoughts. I have been consciously trying to force my thinking over to the

" healthier " side, usually with success. I've been watching a lot of

the HGTV shows about decorating one's home, and since I

haven't been home since July, I already have about 10

redoes available! I want COLOR, damn it! Bland be damned. After this recent

stint of crappola, I only want artistic musings and happy beings around

me. Hmm, I wonder why the 2 cats don't seem to give a shit about me! I am

constantly thinking of all of you, old and new, but with equal love and

wonderment at our human spirits. Fighting forward is so much easier and

meaningful with the immense support and logic we receive in this forum. And

, I do understand where your head's at right now. I've done the same

thing, and have always been so relieved and unified with others upon

re-communicating with our little world here. I'll be back more shortly,

but just had to get some thoughts and feelings off my personal space. And Jax,

thanks for all your help with and your forwards of the messages to

the forum. p.s.: Brain fart I almost forgot to ask! Over the past 3 to 5 years,

it seems that and I have lost most of our local " friends "

here. Of course, Florida is made up of imports like us, often with little

shared background. Lately, however, I have been wondering about moving to a

nearby " community " , where people actually do get together socially to

shoot the breeze. I'm at the point where I could really use some local friends

in this strange life, as could , too. Have others of you suddenly

become this lonely and wanting! Between my whacked out head and the disease

severity, " what's up, Doc " has become an unknown direction! Well, I

meant to write only a few sentences as a general response, and must be up to 3

or 4, so the bed and the couch and my woman's breasts are all beckoning for my

comforts and needs. I feel as if I could live the next several months sitting

in a hot bathtub, head turned upward to , while suckling through the

tears of love, helplessness and gratitude. Tears are coming, so I'm gone until

tomorrow. Man, is this an experience. Again, my sincerest love to all. Rick

Sheena

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent: Saturday, October

25, 2008 10:16 PM

Subject: Re:

update on rick

Welcome back to the apartment Rick, more baby steps

now until

you get your land legs back. You and remain

in our hearts

and our prayers..

Love and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi everyone, here is the

email I received from this morning,,

wanted to share it with you all!

love jackie

Dearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday

afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so

many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him

shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick

is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to

get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me

he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and

breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine

how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our

departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while

in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next

week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again

on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors

in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well

and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks

for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus

found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55

PM

[Guest guest]

Hi , Why do you think that.......I am stage 4 and they said I may not need one if the interferon works??

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or

two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55 PM

[Guest guest]

I am so happy to see you got a liver transplant....was it hard to get it and how long did yo wait.....I have so many questions. I am stage 4 cirrhosis but at the beginning stage and starting treatment in the next few weeks.........waited 12years and now I wish I didn't. Was in great shape when I was diagnosed. Now not so good shape. Swollen spleen, portal hypertension and some cirossis......dam.........I have 1A Geno type which i know is hard to cure and long treatment but I am going for it...........how great it would be to have it go away even for a few years. or let me know how he is. I live in Ca

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went

to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Hey, ! No, I'm not an inspiration at all. A survivor so far, yes, but that's it, man. I have been following all your posts since the beginning, and I truly admire not only your fortitude and seemingly unending willingness to do battle, but also I admire the fact that you acknowledge your frailties and weak times. I didn't do that for quite awhile, and I suffered from it, with feelings of invincibility and arrogance. Not much of a reason to be arrogant when you have to jam anti-constipation suppositories up your butt or when you simply hit the street for a stroll or a chore and begin crying. I think we have to conscientiously remember to laugh, as there is always lol-able shit happening. And, I don't find a transplant to be the end all solution at all. We have an increased risk of all other cancers, an increase in viral risks, and a much greater risk of skin cancers that now would lead directly to bone cancer. So, I am a mole now, but with a nice cave, I can be a happy mole!

Re: update on rick

Welcome back to the apartment Rick, more baby steps now until

you get your land legs back. You and remain in our hearts

and our prayers..

Love and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.comVersion: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55 PM

[Guest guest]

I

know this journey is only beginning, but it’s nice to have company!

J Matchinsky

From:

Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ]

On Behalf Of Rick

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 7:52 AM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: Re: update on rick

Hey, !

No, I'm not an inspiration at all. A survivor so far, yes, but that's it,

man. I have been following all your posts since the beginning, and I truly

admire not only your fortitude and seemingly unending willingness to do battle,

but also I admire the fact that you acknowledge your frailties and weak times.

I didn't do that for quite awhile, and I suffered from it, with feelings of

invincibility and arrogance. Not much of a reason to be arrogant when you

have to jam anti-constipation suppositories up your butt or when you simply hit

the street for a stroll or a chore and begin crying. I think we have to

conscientiously remember to laugh, as there is always lol-able shit happening.

And, I don't find a transplant to be the end all solution at all. We have an

increased risk of all other cancers, an increase in viral risks, and a much

greater risk of skin cancers that now would lead directly to bone cancer. So, I

am a mole now, but with a nice cave, I can be a happy mole!

-----

Original Message -----

From:

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent: Sunday, October 26,

2008 7:17 AM

Subject: RE:

update on rick

Hi, Rick. Welcome back.

And thank you for the

inspiration. I know I’m facing a transplant at some point and

following your journey has given me courage to continue.

J Matchinsky

From: Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Rick

Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:36 PM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: Re: update on rick

I

have so much thanks and gratitude to hand out to you all. anne, I'm still

working on some esoteric hair colorings! I have been reading all the posts, but

still don't have the strength or gumption to write much of a response. Plus, my

fingers can't find the correct keys half the time! And why has the

" backspace " become the hardest on to find?? lol.

Very slowly getting better, but this has been a bigger battle than I had

forethought. I love for doing all that she can in communicating with

you as well as taking care of me. I must be a rather difficult bugger right

now! I'm a bit jealous of Butch right now, as his recovery seems to be progressing

quite well. However, there's something in me that methinks is a bit glossed

over in your recovery, eh, Butch!!?? Nothing's a piece of cake with this

Dragon, from first diagnosis to first shot and on to all the rest, never

forgetting the emotional aspects. And speaking of emotionally, the past few

days have been the absolute worst for me. I had never broken out severely

crying like I have been, totally out of control, lost, and desperate.

Thankfully, these episodes are fairly short lived so I can move onward.

And I always have that loving body next to mine, assuaging me of negative

thoughts. I have been consciously trying to force my thinking over to the

" healthier " side, usually with success. I've been watching a lot of

the HGTV shows about decorating one's home, and since I

haven't been home since July, I already have about 10

redoes available! I want COLOR, damn it! Bland be damned. After this recent

stint of crappola, I only want artistic musings and happy beings around

me. Hmm, I wonder why the 2 cats don't seem to give a shit about me! I am

constantly thinking of all of you, old and new, but with equal love and

wonderment at our human spirits. Fighting forward is so much easier and

meaningful with the immense support and logic we receive in this forum. And

, I do understand where your head's at right now. I've done the same

thing, and have always been so relieved and unified with others upon

re-communicating with our little world here. I'll be back more shortly,

but just had to get some thoughts and feelings off my personal space. And Jax,

thanks for all your help with and your forwards of the messages to the

forum. p.s.: Brain fart I almost forgot to ask! Over the past 3 to 5 years, it

seems that and I have lost most of our local " friends " here.

Of course, Florida is made up of imports like us, often with little shared

background. Lately, however, I have been wondering about moving to a nearby

" community " , where people actually do get together socially to shoot

the breeze. I'm at the point where I could really use some local friends in

this strange life, as could , too. Have others of you suddenly

become this lonely and wanting! Between my whacked out head and the disease

severity, " what's up, Doc " has become an unknown direction! Well, I

meant to write only a few sentences as a general response, and must be up to 3

or 4, so the bed and the couch and my woman's breasts are all beckoning for my

comforts and needs. I feel as if I could live the next several months sitting

in a hot bathtub, head turned upward to , while suckling through the

tears of love, helplessness and gratitude. Tears are coming, so I'm gone until

tomorrow. Man, is this an experience. Again, my sincerest love to all. Rick

Sheena

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent:

Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:16 PM

Subject: Re:

update on rick

Welcome

back to the apartment Rick, more baby steps now until

you

get your land legs back. You and remain in our hearts

and

our prayers..

Love

and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi

everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,,

wanted to share it with you all!

love jackie

Dearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday

afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so

many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him

shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick

is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to

get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me

he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and

breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine

how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our

departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while

in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next

week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again

on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors

in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well

and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks

for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55

PM

No virus

found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55

PM

[Guest guest]

But you are an inspiration! - despite everything, you have faced it all with grace and dignity and humor - no one else could have gone through what you did and come out with that same spirit - yes, you've tested and put through something that not one of us could ever imagine!

You are an inspiration - to everyone here!

Chris

No, I'm not an inspiration at all. A survivor so far, yes, but that's it, man.Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics – check it out!

[Guest guest]

My

doctor had told me a transplant was “inevitable,” though I haven’t

given up hope. He said if we could clear the virus, the transplant could

be 5-7 years away. With the virus, 1-2 years. That was a year ago….

J Matchinsky

From: Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of Elder

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 6:34 AM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: RE: update on rick

Hi , Why do you think that.......I am stage 4

and they said I may not need one if the interferon works??

From:

Subject: RE: update on rick

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008, 4:17 AM

Hi, Rick. Welcome back.

And thank you for the inspiration. I know I?m

facing a transplant at some point and following your journey has given me

courage to continue.

J Matchinsky

[Guest guest]

You and are tougher than you give yourself credit for, my friend ,

keep many of us putting one foot in front of the other knowing how

hard you have been fighting..

Get better, be happy..

Love and Hugs,

Sheena

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or

two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55 PM

[Guest guest]

,

My doctor told me if I can clear the virus I wont have to have a transplant and if I dont I will.

From: <mmatchinsky@ gmail.com>Subject: RE: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] update on rickTo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Sunday, October 26, 2008, 4:17 AM

Hi, Rick. Welcome back.

And thank you for the inspiration. I know I?m facing a transplant at some point and following your journey has given me courage to continue.

J Matchinsky

[Guest guest]

Hey Bud happy to have you back, sorry you had such a hard time, but it does get

better.Yes, we have to watch what we do , but you can still live life like

normal just don't over do the sun and other things. Heck I've spent the day at

the races out in the hot sun and my team nurse from the hospital was there , in

fact got me the tickets. So don't be that mole there still is a world out there,

I think anyway. I've been more of a mole but then that's because I need to turn

my hobby business into a full time one now that I got laid off because of time

lost for the transplant and nothing in this area for me. We will get by that's

for sure no matter what.

Just do what the docs say and don't over do.

As for the diabetics you may or may not end up with it ,as the anti rejection

drugs can cause it, I told them no way and i was right got off the insulin in

under 2 months, but most I have talked to were not as lucky.

As for being weak that is normal after a long hospital stay and what we went

through being sick for so long, it will come back with some work. And as I said

the transplant was the fastest weight loss program out there I lost 45 pounds,

but have gained 10 back and holding, still need to loss the 10 to get back to

race weight lol. Do know all my pants are to big and back down to the first hole

on my belt, were before I added a one at the end.

Went to the doc on the 21ST and just need to have my Yearly in Dec. then

that's it till next Dec. Plus over the once a week blood lettings.

So hang in there and keep fighting and thank god for our great wife's.

rich

10 moths 13 days

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

Please tell to tell Our Rick to keep on Keeping on.

He is never far from my thoughts and prayers.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

Subject: update on rickTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008, 3:41 PM

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went

to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Rick,

Buddy, allow those tears to flow. They are cleansing, they are healing and they are a good thing!!! Remember those tears release "feel good" hormones and boy do you deserve to feel those! And you won't burst into tears for too long. It's your bodies way of releasing stress.

Oh, and you can make my hair dye POIPLE!!!! OK????? LOL!!

Luv

anne

You don't have to be handicapped to be different.Everybody's different!Kim Peek

Re: update on rick

I have so much thanks and gratitude to hand out to you all. anne, I'm still working on some esoteric hair colorings! I have been reading all the posts, but still don't have the strength or gumption to write much of a response. Plus, my fingers can't find the correct keys half the time! And why has the "backspace" become the hardest on to find?? lol.

Very slowly getting better, but this has been a bigger battle than I had forethought. I love for doing all that she can in communicating with you as well as taking care of me. I must be a rather difficult bugger right now! I'm a bit jealous of Butch right now, as his recovery seems to be progressing quite well. However, there's something in me that methinks is a bit glossed over in your recovery, eh, Butch!!?? Nothing's a piece of cake with this Dragon, from first diagnosis to first shot and on to all the rest, never forgetting the emotional aspects. And speaking of emotionally, the past few days have been the absolute worst for me. I had never broken out severely crying like I have been, totally out of control, lost, and desperate. Thankfully, these episodes are fairly short lived so I can move onward. And I always have that loving body next to mine, assuaging me of negative thoughts. I have been consciously trying to force my thinking over to the "healthier" side, usually with success. I've been watching a lot of the HGTV shows about decorating one's home, and since I haven't been home since July, I already have about 10 redoes available! I want COLOR, damn it! Bland be damned. After this recent stint of crappola, I only want artistic musings and happy beings around me. Hmm, I wonder why the 2 cats don't seem to give a shit about me! I am constantly thinking of all of you, old and new, but with equal love and wonderment at our human spirits. Fighting forward is so much easier and meaningful with the immense support and logic we receive in this forum. And , I do understand where your head's at right now. I've done the same thing, and have always been so relieved and unified with others upon re-communicating with our little world here. I'll be back more shortly, but just had to get some thoughts and feelings off my personal space. And Jax, thanks for all your help with and your forwards of the messages to the forum. p.s.: Brain fart I almost forgot to ask! Over the past 3 to 5 years, it seems that and I have lost most of our local "friends" here. Of course, Florida is made up of imports like us, often with little shared background. Lately, however, I have been wondering about moving to a nearby "community", where people actually do get together socially to shoot the breeze. I'm at the point where I could really use some local friends in this strange life, as could , too. Have others of you suddenly become this lonely and wanting! Between my whacked out head and the disease severity, "what's up, Doc" has become an unknown direction! Well, I meant to write only a few sentences as a general response, and must be up to 3 or 4, so the bed and the couch and my woman's breasts are all beckoning for my comforts and needs. I feel as if I could live the next several months sitting in a hot bathtub, head turned upward to , while suckling through the tears of love, helplessness and gratitude. Tears are coming, so I'm gone until tomorrow. Man, is this an experience. Again, my sincerest love to all. Rick_,_._,___

[Guest guest]

Rich, you're always a breath of fresh air to hear from! It seems like whenever I hit a wall, you arrive with the support I need. Yeah, I think I am getting back in the race. My main pain seems to be coming from my right back, where they made a large incision and a drain hole during the 2nd operation. I'm sticking with that, cause the unknown pains get my anxiety and fears going irrationally. Hey, speaking of pants and weight, when I returned home 3-4 days ago, I was hobbling up the walk from the car to the apt. on my shiny new walker with right behind me. Suddenly, almost falling on my ass, my shorts were flat on the ground trapping my ankles in public display! btw, One size does NOT fit all!

From: shepard richard

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 12:58 PM

Subject: Re: update on rick

Hey Bud happy to have you back, sorry you had such a hard time, but it does get better.Yes, we have to watch what we do , but you can still live life like normal just don't over do the sun and other things. Heck I've spent the day at the races out in the hot sun and my team nurse from the hospital was there , in fact got me the tickets. So don't be that mole there still is a world out there, I think anyway. I've been more of a mole but then that's because I need to turn my hobby business into a full time one now that I got laid off because of time lost for the transplant and nothing in this area for me. We will get by that's for sure no matter what.Just do what the docs say and don't over do.As for the diabetics you may or may not end up with it ,as the anti rejection drugs can cause it, I told them no way and i was right got off the insulin in under 2 months, but most I have talked to were not as lucky.As for being weak that is normal after a long hospital stay and what we went through being sick for so long, it will come back with some work. And as I said the transplant was the fastest weight loss program out there I lost 45 pounds, but have gained 10 back and holding, still need to loss the 10 to get back to race weight lol. Do know all my pants are to big and back down to the first hole on my belt, were before I added a one at the end.Went to the doc on the 21ST and just need to have my Yearly in Dec. then that's it till next Dec. Plus over the once a week blood lettings.So hang in there and keep fighting and thank god for our great wife's.rich10 moths 13 days

[Guest guest]

Oh IM roaring rick, I can 'see' all of this going on.. you amaze me hon, you're doing really great now and I just love your sense of humor,,

Please tell melissa that I answered her email but it was returned because her email is full and over quota so they sent it back to me,, lol,,

tell her I got her voice mail too,, Ill be tied up tomorrow for most of the day , having some tests done at the hosp , nothing serious but Ill email her again after I get home,,

hugs to you Rick,,, remember, you're an inspiration to us all!Jackie

Subject: Re: Re: update on rickTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008, 8:28 PM

Rich, you're always a breath of fresh air to hear from! It seems like whenever I hit a wall, you arrive with the support I need. Yeah, I think I am getting back in the race. My main pain seems to be coming from my right back, where they made a large incision and a drain hole during the 2nd operation. I'm sticking with that, cause the unknown pains get my anxiety and fears going irrationally. Hey, speaking of pants and weight, when I returned home 3-4 days ago, I was hobbling up the walk from the car to the apt. on my shiny new walker with right behind me. Suddenly, almost falling on my ass, my shorts were flat on the ground trapping my ankles in public display! btw, One size does NOT fit all!

From: shepard richard

To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.com

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 12:58 PM

Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Re: update on rick

Hey Bud happy to have you back, sorry you had such a hard time, but it does get better.Yes, we have to watch what we do , but you can still live life like normal just don't over do the sun and other things. Heck I've spent the day at the races out in the hot sun and my team nurse from the hospital was there , in fact got me the tickets. So don't be that mole there still is a world out there, I think anyway. I've been more of a mole but then that's because I need to turn my hobby business into a full time one now that I got laid off because of time lost for the transplant and nothing in this area for me. We will get by that's for sure no matter what.Just do what the docs say and don't over do.As for the diabetics you may or may not end up with it ,as the anti rejection drugs can cause it, I told them no way and i was right got off the insulin in under 2 months, but most I have talked to were not as lucky.As for being weak that is normal

after a long hospital stay and what we went through being sick for so long, it will come back with some work. And as I said the transplant was the fastest weight loss program out there I lost 45 pounds, but have gained 10 back and holding, still need to loss the 10 to get back to race weight lol. Do know all my pants are to big and back down to the first hole on my belt, were before I added a one at the end.Went to the doc on the 21ST and just need to have my Yearly in Dec. then that's it till next Dec. Plus over the once a week blood lettings.So hang in there and keep fighting and thank god for our great wife's.rich10 moths 13 days

[Guest guest]

Jackie, I took care of 's email. She hadn't let me know! Oh, now when I go to the Doc's, I wear these brightly colored flannel p.j.'s that reach the floor. Awful oranges, yellows, reds, etc. LOVE THEM! But, the elastic waistband allows me to sip my decaf one handed while holding the p.j.,s precariously with the other! I can't prevent everyone from calling me a pervert, but with a large cork, I can certainly prevent a potential pervert from trashing this beautiful transplant center!

[Hepatitis_C_ Central] Re: update on rick

Hey Bud happy to have you back, sorry you had such a hard time, but it does get better.Yes, we have to watch what we do , but you can still live life like normal just don't over do the sun and other things. Heck I've spent the day at the races out in the hot sun and my team nurse from the hospital was there , in fact got me the tickets. So don't be that mole there still is a world out there, I think anyway. I've been more of a mole but then that's because I need to turn my hobby business into a full time one now that I got laid off because of time lost for the transplant and nothing in this area for me. We will get by that's for sure no matter what.Just do what the docs say and don't over do.As for the diabetics you may or may not end up with it ,as the anti rejection drugs can cause it, I told them no way and i was right got off the insulin in under 2 months, but most I have talked to were not as lucky.As for being weak that is normal after a long hospital stay and what we went through being sick for so long, it will come back with some work. And as I said the transplant was the fastest weight loss program out there I lost 45 pounds, but have gained 10 back and holding, still need to loss the 10 to get back to race weight lol. Do know all my pants are to big and back down to the first hole on my belt, were before I added a one at the end.Went to the doc on the 21ST and just need to have my Yearly in Dec. then that's it till next Dec. Plus over the once a week blood lettings.So hang in there and keep fighting and thank god for our great wife's.rich10 moths 13 days

[Guest guest]

oh you crack me up Rick... its so nice to see you back and with your sense of humor so intact... Jackie

From: Rick <rickkippearthlink (DOT) net>Subject: Re: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Re: update on rickTo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Sunday, October 26, 2008, 8:28 PM

Rich, you're always a breath of fresh air to hear from! It seems like whenever I hit a wall, you arrive with the support I need. Yeah, I think I am getting back in the race. My main pain seems to be coming from my right back, where they made a large incision and a drain hole during the 2nd operation. I'm sticking with that, cause the unknown pains get my anxiety and fears going irrationally. Hey, speaking of pants and weight, when I returned home 3-4 days ago, I was hobbling up the walk from the car to the apt. on my shiny new walker with right behind me. Suddenly, almost falling on my ass, my shorts were flat on the ground trapping my ankles in public display! btw, One size does NOT fit all!

From: shepard richard

To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.com

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 12:58 PM

Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Re: update on rick

Hey Bud happy to have you back, sorry you had such a hard time, but it does get better.Yes, we have to watch what we do , but you can still live life like normal just don't over do the sun and other things. Heck I've spent the day at the races out in the hot sun and my team nurse from the hospital was there , in fact got me the tickets. So don't be that mole there still is a world out there, I think anyway. I've been more of a mole but then that's because I need to turn my hobby business into a full time one now that I got laid off because of time lost for the transplant and nothing in this area for me. We will get by that's for sure no matter what.Just do what the docs say and don't over do.As for the diabetics you may or may not end up with it ,as the anti rejection drugs can cause it, I told them no way and i was right got off the insulin in under 2 months, but most I have talked to were not as lucky.As for being weak that is normal

after a long hospital stay and what we went through being sick for so long, it will come back with some work. And as I said the transplant was the fastest weight loss program out there I lost 45 pounds, but have gained 10 back and holding, still need to loss the 10 to get back to race weight lol. Do know all my pants are to big and back down to the first hole on my belt, were before I added a one at the end.Went to the doc on the 21ST and just need to have my Yearly in Dec. then that's it till next Dec. Plus over the once a week blood lettings.So hang in there and keep fighting and thank god for our great wife's.rich10 moths 13 days

[Guest guest]

Hi, ! Your questions are better than my answers! I was diagnosed with HCV over 15 years ago, but the idea of a transplant never came up until the past few years. All hopes had been pinned on my three tx's, which all failed. Even near the end, at tp time, there were many Dr.s who thought a tp was unnecessary. My meld score, which had gone up to 18 from 7, decided to go back down to 8 when I was being tested for tp! Ow, that sucked. Who's going to transplant a patient with an 8 meld score? Right, no one. My best friend for the past 35+ years is a hospice nurse here in Tampa, and he said it best, "Guess you 've got to get sicker to get a chance at getting better! And I'll be damned. A few months later, they discovered something suspicious on a routine ultrasound. After a CT scan and MRI, they determined that it was HCC - Cancer. This friend and I just had to cheer and laugh together. Do you think it sounded strange to others when they heard us cheering on my newfound cancer!! Hilarious! They immediately killed that with chemoembolization, an amazing process. Then I had 2 severe episodes of gastric varices, one of which put me in a coma and nearly killed me. And my poor wife, , had to endure all this b.s. and speculation. Hell, they told her not to expect me home again, ever! Isn't THAT tender. At any rate, there was one tp Doc here in Tampa who really didn't like the looks of things. These top guns still have to follow all the tp rules of UNOS, which can be too strict. This man had his own ways and beliefs, and used his maverick forces of goodness over idiocy to get me approved for the tp list with no restrictions. In fact, I was #1 on the list in my blood type, B! So now what? Guess I'm waiting, huh? O.K., 9 days later they found a liver! I was hospitalized immediately, new liver in 12 hours and recovering. The new one began working 100% on insertion, and I was off and running! 7 days later, they released me! A few weeks later some lung complications came up, so they readmitted me, performed one more surgery, kept me 17 days and declared me "fit" enough to leave. Now I'm free, recovering more slowly (what's the hurry?), and constantly thinking of my future. Wonderment does not suffice to explain the euphoria I'm in. (Nor the pain!).

, I wouldn't worry too much about your current medical conditions. The tp team knows all about these problems and are not cowboy risk takers. The only lassoo you'll need is the one to slow you down after surgery! Since the decision making committee knows all about your medical conditions (as they did mine), I wouldn't bother them with those facts. However, I Would bother them with other ideas: Stress the heck out of whatever support you have at home - emotional and physical. They need to feel confident that you will be taken care of as well at home as in the hospital, once all IV lines are gone. I have my wonderful wife for that, as well as a strong, younger (52) male who can lift me in case of accident. This French friend, Lio, and my wife, , both made all of the Docs and decision makers do an about face. It was like, "Of course he's eligible"! Not a bachelor for decades, but still eligible! Now how delicious is that?

A few other thoughts: You appear to be all gung ho and ready for tp, which is great. BUT, don't assume that that is the be all and end all of your problems. Though totally greatful for the tp, I still wish I could have conquered via the traditional method. The risks from transplant are still great, including increased risk of mortal cancer and other stuff I had to jam into my "Sorry, don't remember jar."

Just ran out of steam, , so gotta go right now. Stay in tough, an as I get better, I'll be better able to respond. Love to you and all: Rick

From: Elder

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 7:41 AM

Subject: Re: update on rick

I am so happy to see you got a liver transplant....was it hard to get it and how long did yo wait.....I have so many questions. I am stage 4 cirrhosis but at the beginning stage and starting treatment in the next few weeks.........waited 12years and now I wish I didn't. Was in great shape when I was diagnosed. Now not so good shape. Swollen spleen, portal hypertension and some cirossis......dam.........I have 1A Geno type which i know is hard to cure and long treatment but I am going for it...........how great it would be to have it go away even for a few years. or let me know how he is. I live in Ca

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Rick, I am glad you are mout of the hospital. I love reading your post because it brightens my day and it you have a great sense of humor. By the way you are an inspiration to us all. Take it easy and do not overdue yourself. G

[Guest guest]

I'm still cackling from the great visual of Rick losing his shorts!!!!!!! ROFL!!

Luv

anne

You don't have to be handicapped to be different.Everybody's different!Kim Peek

Re: update on rick

Rick, I take issue with you on this because to us all you ARE an inspiration,, we've watched you find out that you had HCC, that you endured the eval for tp, got your tp, got out, had to go back, and are now on the road to a better life,, it IS truely inspiring,, we love ya hon,, just let us love ya!

ps, sorry about having to ramrod the suppository's up there, lol,, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do,, heheJackie

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1745 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55 PM

[Guest guest]

Rick what a great e-mail. It was very very uplifting. Thank you for all of the information. I am so happy you got your new liver and things are getting better for you every day. Keep me posted.

Hi everyone, here is the email I received from this morning,, wanted to share it with you all!love jackieDearest ones, Rick was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Note: sorry I haven't written sooner but there have been so many things to put in place. He had a home health care man to help him shower yesterday and a bout with a physical therapist yesterday. Rick is VERY frail and on a walker. However, he's eating a bit and trying to get some much needed rest after 17 days in the hospital. He told me he's grateful just to be able to sit outside on our little porch and breathe the fresh air. His weight is just below 160, so you can imagine how skinny he is. I don't know how much longer we'll be here, but our departure is far from imminent. Rick had heart and lung problems while in the hospital and we have appointments with both doctors in the next week or two. We went

to Lifelink yesterday for labs and we'll go again on Tuesday for labs in the AM and to see one of the transplant doctors in the PM. The amazing news is that his new liver has settled in well and there appear to be no rejection problems. As always, many thanks for your loving thoughts and prayers,

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the update.

I am so glad you found the number.

Rick is in my prayers.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

Subject: update on rickTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 7:06 PM

Hi all,As most of you have read, we've been very concerned about our lack of replies from Rick and .. I just now got off the phone with and they are back in Tampa as of last week. Rick's infection reared its head again and it seems that they have now identified it as CMV which is cytomeglovirus. As explained to me, Rick was either CMV POS and his donor was CMV Negative or the other way around.. they said that this is NOT life threatening and they will get it figured out. Apparently the two antibiotics they can use to treat this CMV are very hard on the kidneys and Ricks kidney function tests (Creatinine is 2.9) are elevated so they are having to be very careful.She said they took off directly after speaking with the doc at home last Monday and he sent them immediately back to tampa.. she they are there without their computer.. So thats why we havent heard

anything.. but I have found her number and will keep it in my wallet with me as next week we will be in southern calif for 4 days so I will be able to stay in touch and post info to everyone. I will take my roaming wifi card and laptop so I can be in touch. So thats the scoop,, at least he is not in failure or anything so we need to keep them both in our prayers.. I assured to assure Rick that we all care and are praying for them.. She of course in her magnificent way said to thank you all! I will keep you all updated..love to all, jax