The good news is that my room-mate is doing much better. The catheter has been removed – along with the tubes in his neck for dialysis. They are talking about releasing him from the hospital as soon as today. So, he’s moving around and feeling much better.
The bad news is that – based on the biopsy – he has advanced cirrous of the liver. Not because of drinking – according to the doctor – but based on a previously undiagnosed predisposition to liver diesease. My room-mate indicated that his family has a history of liver problems in support of this diagnosis. Since he’s got a history of drinking problems as does his family – I find myself a little skeptical. Perhaps the doctor doesn’t want to kick a man when he’s down, though I would argue that that’s the easiest time to do it.
They don’t know yet if he will need a transplant after all – perhaps just stopping drinking will be enough to by him time for his liver to heal. I’ve done my part, I poured out all the alcohol in the apartment. It will be a good week for the recycling bin
The disappointing news is his siblings. Instead of visiting him this weekend – since none would have the “work” excuse – they are instead going to a football game. The argument being that they’ve already spent $700 dollars on the hotel room and tickets.
Now, I’m of the opinion that you don’t spend $700 on hotel rooms and football tickets unless you have $700 to throw away. And having a sibling in the hospital seems like a good reason to me to throw that $700 in the shreder.
So, they are going to a football game and I’m on stand-by to pick him up from the hospital. I’m not sure will happen if he isn’t released until Monday – guess I’ll have to take some time off of work to go get him.
I like to help people, I really do. And I’m glad I was able to help my room-mate. But now I’m just feeling a bit used. His family realizes that I’ll step up because that’s what I do. And I’m getting bitter and feeling trapped.
So, today I’m going to be close to home so I can head north when I’m needed. Suppose it’s just as well, I’m way behind on my Halloween costume. Better log off and get to work.