[azasadny]

I have been diagnosed with a liver condition called “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis”, AKA “PBC” and this is an autoimmune disorder, which basically means that my immune system is actively attacking my liver, in my case very aggressively. It seems that my chronic, intractable insomnia over the past 6-7 years was my body’s way of telling me something was wrong. I have a liver biopsy scheduled for this week (Thursday) to get a better idea of the extent of the damage to my liver and to determine my prognosis.

My maternal grandfather died from this condition and so there is a family history to consider. Apparently, this condition is much more common in women in their 50’s, so to develop this condition in my 40’s is a little unusual. I’m in overall excellent health, never smoked, very light drinker (1-2 beers or wine per month), with no other chronic medical conditions, so the Dr’s are a little more optimistic for my particular case.

I’ve told my immediate family and several close friends who have undergone very similar medical challenges, so my “support group” knows. I’ll do my best to live my life “one day at a time” and focus on my family/friends and my work. I’ll stay as “positive” as I can and do what the Dr’s tell me to, but I’ll also prepare myself and my family for the worst, as that’s my “coping mechanism”.

I tell you folks this because I fell like I know many of you well and you may wonder “what’s wrong with Art, he hasn’t complained about Helga (my car) recently”. I also wanted to remind you that something like chronic insomnia may be your body’s way of warning you about something serious. In my case, my elevated liver enzymes were the clinical manifestation of this disease.

At some point, I may become a candidate for a liver transplant and so my journey has really just begun. I have faced serious challenges to my survival before (Desert Storm) and I will do my best to face this latest challenge the only way I know how. I have a strong personal faith in God and I do not fear death. Just the thought that I may not get to see my children grow into adults and spend my “golden years” with my loving wife make me sad, but I have been blessed to have them for the times we’ve shared so far. So many people have faced far worse than this that I do not consider myself to be immune from tragedy or sadness, it’s a part of life that we have to deal with. Thanks!