Bad news form the doctor...

[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!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Stay strong Art, you'll pull through it. Sounds as if you have the best possible support possible in the form of your family and God. You'll be in my prayers.

[lendaddy]

Damn Art, I'm terribly sorry to here this. I don't have the words right now but my thoughts are with you and your family.

[cgarr]

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen.

Art, I will keep a blessed candle burning in our Church for you and your Family.

[widgeon13]

Hope all works out well for you with future testing, keep the faith!

[Jim Richards]

My thoughts are with you, Art. I hope you're able to lick this and have a long and happy life. Good guys like you deserve that!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Best of luck - hope it all works out, it's treatable and things improve from here forward.

[deanp]

Stay strong Art! Will hope to hear encouraging words after the biopsy.

[Joeaksa]

Will be thinking about you Art and hope that things go well for you and your family. Any chance for a partial liver transplant?

Joe

[nostatic]

best of luck with it all. I'll quit complaining about the pinched nerve in my neck now and do some tonglen for you.

[KNS]

My problems all of a sudden seem small... Best of luck Art.

[KFC911]

Art...you sound as if you are on solid ground regardless of what comes your way. Good luck with this "curveball" life just threw at you!

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by nostatic

...and do some tonglen for you.

That sounds kind'a kinky. I don't know if Art is into that sort of thing.

[JTO]

I'm sory to hear this Art. More prayers for your healing and support are coming your way.

Troy

[Noah930]

Best wishes, Art. Hope you stay around here, and let us serve as one of your coping mechanisms.

[Scuba Steve]

Stay strong! It sounds like you have a great outlook on the whole thing, and I really hope there's a permanent 'fix' for this available for you so things can go back to normal eventually.

[Don Plumley]

Best wishes and thoughts, Art.

[vash]

jeez! so much bad news for me this monday. i gotta shut off the news...........


i wish you the best!

[oldE]

Art,

Prayers on the way. Stay strong.

Les

[Oh Haha]

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Art.


and a bump