On the list...

[drobie]

Just want to say hi. 

Made the list in Oct '06.  MELD at 17 in Dec, dropped back to 15 in Apr. 

Must be the water.   

It's my second trip to the list.  First time it was for a lesion they were worried would become cancerous.  My MELD at the time ('05) was only 10.  My then surgery did seems to think that made it "high risk" surgery.  He said he'd just yank the liver and the cancer with it, if cancer developed.  He's done 1500+ livers.  U of W Hosp and Clinics. 

Two weeks ago, I was flat on my back for 4 days, an episode that was repeating every couple of months.  It feels like the worse case of flu imaginable.....doubled.

For over a year, it's been a 24/7 nuclear war all over my abdomen.  Energy level was at about 60% of normal.  I couldn't mow the lawn for more than 15 minutes with hitting the couch to recoup.

That was 2 weeks ago....

Today, my energy level has returned to normal and most of the abdominal discomfort is gone.  I have my life back, but at least until Sep, I'm still on the list.  I'm in state of "controlled denial".  To know what modivates me, watch the documentary "The New Medicine", just released in March.  Every health care consumer in the US ought to watch it.

Several posibilities for the change:  Modifilan (Google it for info) which I started in Feb, Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) started 7 days ago, or mega dose of Vitamin C recommended by the MD turned holistic practioner who did my initial HBOT consultation.

Maybe it's temorary.  I don't care.  I have my summer back and don't have to spend it waiting around to get worse so I can move up on the list.  I won't kick a gift horse in the mouth even if he might withdraw the gift.

If it's just a pure oxygen boost, it has staying power because my energy remains through the weekend without going in to the chamber.  Last weekend after just 2 sessions, I was doing yardwork all day Sat. and Sun., including some heavy shoveling and chainsaw work.  Mowed the lawn, cut a couple of loads of wood, roto-tilled and planted a tomato bed and other tasks.

Spent time in my workshop actually working on a favorite hobby for the first time in a year.

Absolutely unbelievable.

[hanklive39]

Hi Drobie!

Man that HBOT sounds like a plan!!!

I'm going to see if I can get on that ride slick
Are you covered by your insurance to pay for that or is out of pocket?

I'm also going to google the modifilan to see if there are any contrindications for me since I'm post transplant almost ten years now so I've got to walk a tightrope so to speak

Respectfully,
Henry
Hanklive39 Lives for Today and Tomorrow!!!

[Hank's mom]

drobie:
whatever it is, it's good to read you are enjoying. "Controlled Denial" Seems like an oxymoron, maybe that's from HBOT… lol.
Keep it up whatever it is and enjoy - it's not denial, it's healthy unless you push the envelope.
By the way, welcome.
Be well,
momxfive

[robin]

Hank...my sister has to have HBOT before any type of dental work for a period of 30 days before due to previous history of oral cancer and chemo/radiation and her last round cost her $7000 after her insurance paid...that was her 20% share. So far as insurance...I'd say it would depend on your diagnosis and the type of insurance you have. Her experience wasn't that great....she has had it done on two separate occasions. Once, they had to open the chamber after a guy passed out and remove him and she said it was very loud and they had to wear ear-plugs. It's the same thing they do for deep sea divers who surface too rapidly. No real experience...just passing on my sisters. Keep your spirits high...robin