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I am not sure why, but California has it's own organization which seems to be run separate from the National organization. They don't have a national veteran's service officer, but rather a California service officer. I honestly think that had my brother stayed in Minnesota while he was here (immediately before his hospitalization) instead of going back to California, he would have had better treatment and medical care. He went back to California and was stuck in a local hospital for 2 weeks before the VA lifted a finger. That would not have happened here, imo. But that is water under the bridge and my brother made that decision to be closer to home. Can't blame him for that, I guess. I am feeling bitter about the whole thing right now.

I am trying to respond to everyone who has been so kind to extend their wishes and prayers for my brother. I have what might be great news!!!!

First of all, my brother called and talked to us for over an hour last night! He was able to maintain the conversation without sounding out of breath which is incredibly amazing to me since he was only at 10% of his heart capacity when he was released from the hospital.

What he said is that the doctor who was working with him at the VA initially was a very new intern (1 week on the job) and unfamiliar with the complications my brother has been dealing with. My brother went in there needing to be dehydrated and they were so aggresive about it that they actually dehydrated him quite severely. The doctor was also discounting him for a transplant because of the fact he had been turned down after his last surgery. The fact is that he was turned down at that time because of the extensive infection they needed to get under control first. That being done, he is actually now a candidate.

He has been told unofficially that he is not accepted for transplant at Palo Alto. If this is true, our prayers have been answered! It has been a difficult struggle this time around, but I know the help of all your prayers and the response of so many wonderful people is what finally cut through the redtape and unresponsive posture of that new doctor! In fact, one of the doctors who had worked with my brother for years at the VA came out of a 5 year retirement to get over to the VA and make certain that my brother was being handled appropriately. My brother said he was so excited just seeing her face! He knew he was not being handled appropriately and as soon as the familiar old doctors began to come in, he knew the right thing would be done.

I am see happy right now because the course of treatment that he is under now, even being at home, is the right thing and he is showing significant improvement.

Thank you all so much. I hope I did not miss anyone who had asked me to keep you posted because this truly is wonderful news. Please KEEP YOUR PRAYERS coming for all the vets who need this kind of attention and don't have the know how or ability to put up the right fight to get it!!!

BTW...THANK YOU everyone who sent my brother an email. He has not been able to read them all or respond, but so many were sent to him that his 10 meg account was flooded! :) OMG, you freepers are just the best! You count in a big, big way and you are appreciated very much.

Please use your ping lists to let everyone know this turn of events. I am forever indebted to your kindness and compassion.