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Update on our Bob...

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/12/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys. I finally got an email back from Bob today. I've been so worried about him. I hope it is okay w/ him...I'm posting his text here. Everyone be thinking about him. He is having major, major surgery.

Here it is.....

I am finished with all preliminary hospital work and tests, and have given the body time to remove the remicade and 6mp from my body. Sadly I am starting to flare because of that. I enter the hospital again next Wednesday for the big surgery - both legs from the chins down - with most of the diseased bone being removed - and the tailored replacements of metal and plastic being inserted. Thursday is the left leg - the worst one, and then Easter Monday the right leg. They estimate the surgery to last 8 - 10 hours. If the surgery is successful they will place an exoskeleton on each leg to secure the artificial bones. I can't walk now really, but I can hobble to the bathroom. Starting next week, I will be bed ridden for 2 months, followed by wheel chair for the next 4 -5 months...perhaps forever. There is also a 20% chance of amputation if the surgery fails or infection sets in.

I will be in the hospital for 12 days after surgery, followed by 6 weeks in a rehab hospital (not for rehabilitation - just a place to stick me freeing up a bed at the surgical hospital). Then 3-5 months in a nursing home.

Please tell the UC newbies to learn a lesson from me. Steroids cannot be used as long as I used them (8 years) without serious consequences. Although diabetes is a co-factor in this disease - they feel the osteoporosis is so severe because of the steroid damage to my bones. My hips are also in bad shape and will need replacement (I will wait on that of course).

I am sorry for not being terribly upbeat, but my apprehension and sorrow for turning my wife's life now into a living hell is almost too much to bear. I am also sorry for not participating in HW right now, as it all seems too much...even though I love those people. Please wish them well for me - and ask them to say a little prayer for my wife...she truly is the victim of this crime.

Love,
bob
Posted 3/12/2008 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Awww poor Bob :( It truly breaks my heart that his going thru so much. He is such a great guy that he doesn't deserve this. I find it awesome that he is still thinking about others at a time like this. If he comes here I just want him to know that he and his wife are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted 3/12/2008 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
Please Bob, if you come here and read this, know that there isn't a day that I haven't thought about you and your wife, and wondered how you were both fairing. From what you've told us of your lovely wife, she sounds like a trooper and will stand by you to protect and love you through your surgeries. Take care my friend, and know that on the day you have your surgery.....every good vibe and all my strength will be sent your way for you and your wife. ps.....we love you too!

Posted 3/12/2008 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Please let Bob know that our love and our prayers are with him, and that there's no blame attached to him for his condition. We have a bad set of options to choose from sometimes in dealing with this DD, and sometimes our choices work out better than others. It's a roll of the dice. I'll be praying for a successful surgery and recovery for him.
Posted 3/12/2008 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, please let Bob know that I am thinking of him everyday, and I will be praying for him and his family. He is such a great guy and my love goes out to him

Janice
Posted 3/12/2008 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Bob and his wife are both in my prayers. best of luck to you and hope all goes well.
Posted 3/13/2008 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
My heart just breaks for Bob and his family.  As if UC wasn't enough, now this as a "side effect" of the steroids.  I will keep him and his family in my daily prayers.
Posted 3/13/2008 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Very sad to read this because he is definitely between a rock and a hard place, but thank you, tjf, for keeping us posted. Now we have the 1st critical dates on the calendar. Phew! A grueling process, at best ... / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 3/13/2008 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Aww man! My heart breaks for him and his wife. It brings me to tears to think of the agony he is in. Such a wonderful guy doesn't deserve such trials. My thoughts and prayers are with them!
Posted 3/13/2008 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
For any of the new members that read this and have no idea who Bob is. Bob (shrekchewbaccahunk) is one of our moderators that has a huge heart of gold. He has helped many people on here and is a gem among gentlemen. He's a compassionate soul that puts his wife on a pedestal :) Not to mention, he usually has a great sense of humor.
Posted 3/13/2008 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Healing thoughts and prayers sent to Bob and his wife! They are definitely genuine and loving people. It breaks my heart to hear what Bob is having to go through yet another time. He is truly blessed to have the strong support of his wife, but I can understand his concern for her having to endure his continual pain.

Heather xx
Posted 3/13/2008 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Like all of you, I wish Bob and his lovely wife only the best. He is such a wonderful caring person, his vibes have always come through on his posts. My thoughts and prayers on top of prayers will be with them. I look forward to when he can be back with us.
Posted 3/13/2008 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Heartbreaking.. Please God heal the ill. Amen.
Posted 3/14/2008 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Bob, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and your wife that all will go well and you will have a full and speedy recovery from this horrible ordeal...my heart goes out to you both and the rest of your family...sending warmest wishes and positive thoughts for you all.

:)
Posted 3/14/2008 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know Bob, but am sending he and his family my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed.
Posted 3/17/2008 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Bob, my 6 year old daughter and I pray every night for you. Starting tonight (in about 10 minutes) we will add your wife to our list. I so much pray all ends up well for you.

Your PA mate, Steve. 

Posted 3/17/2008 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Bob, I wish you and your wife all my best and the strength to get through it all. It sounds like you have already overcome so much, you can do it!
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