Hi, Everyone.

I just spent the past hour writing a lengthy email to all of you...then somehow lost it while doing spellcheck.  Needless-to-say, I am ticked off...therefore, I apologize for any info I may have left out, and any misspelled words.  The "losing email" stress is not something I handle well. Go figure.

Before I begin with Paul, I just want to let you all know that Ken Allison past away.  (I've been staying at his house for the past 2 months.)  Marthanne and Ken have been an absolute blessing to me.  Please say a prayer for Marthanne...to keep her strong coping with the loss of her husband.  Ken, I'm confident, has gone to be with the Lord, and is in a wonderful place, and is living pain-free.

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt emails and phone calls.  It's such a blessing to know you are all praying for Paul and thinking of us.  Believe me, it makes a difference.  So again, Thank you!

Overall, Paul is doing better each day. He's still off the ventilator, getting oxygen through the nasal passage. As of today, however, he was given a breathing "mask" to help him breathe more comfortably, after his respiratory rate increased. (They're not sure why).  He's gradually losing the extra fluid in his body.  There have been no significant fevers, although today reached slightly over 101. He has been weaned off most of the sedation drugs, as well as the Dopamine, to keep his blood pressure stable. His transplant surgeon did say it would take time for him to stabilize completely.  The doctors say he's not totally in the clear, but they are optimistic, and more than pleasantly suprised at Paul's will to survive.  He's beat "the odds" several times over. THAT'S GOOD NEWS!!!! Praise GOD!

Paul's mental status is a bit fuzzy.  His short term memory, and information processing is a bit "off". He is extrememly disoriented.  Much of what he says make little sense, or is said totally out of context, as if he's getting spurts of information and simply verbalizing as it comes to him.  The doctors say much of that is from the months of being hospitalized, (ICU psychosis), as well as medication, past fevers,  and remains of infection that haven't yet left his body.  There is some concern, but they've reassured me that it may take time, even months, before he's fully recovered mentally.

We're still not sure when Paul will be moved into the transplant unit (regular hospital room), although it could be within a week or so.  Visitors are welcome... even while he's in ICU.  (No children under 12 allowed in his room).  If you would like to mail Paul a card, note, and/or pictures, here's the hospital address, and the house I'm staying at where I can receive mail for Paul (Marthanne will make sure I get it).

Georgetown University Hospital, CCC Bldg.

Patient: Paul Puccio  Rm. C4305

3800 Reservoir Road

Washington, D.C. 20007

or

Paul & Laura Puccio

c/o M. Allison

6115 Greeley Blvd.

Springfield, VA 22152

Some have asked about DONATIONS: (Which are needed and very much appreciated!)

Online donations and information is available at: www.transplantfund.org

Checks payable to:  NTAF, NY Small Bowel Transplant Fund

         put in memo:   In Honor of Paul Puccio

               address:   NTAF

                               3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230

                               Newtown Square, PA 19073

 I will try to keep you all posted with more info on Paul as it comes. 

Laura