Barry Finn - Four: Post Op (April 2001)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: kendall
Date: 17 Apr 01 - 12:25 PM

Wonderful! even old goats like me can still believe in miracles. Cant wait to see ya mate.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 17 Apr 01 - 12:48 PM

Congratulations, Barry! And here's a deep-felt thanks to the donor. I hope that your recovery continues on the fast track. I look forward to hearing some hospital tales in person.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 17 Apr 01 - 12:59 PM

ditto -- and get well SOON. That's an order!! all kidding aside -- we hope your recovery breaks all records and you are up and about in no time. Can't wait to hear you joining in again.

And Dick -- about that "lolling liver. . ."

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Apr 01 - 04:09 PM

Not so old, Joy!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Apr 01 - 04:49 PM

LOL!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: GUEST,Bedridden Barry on Sis's laptop
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 04:58 AM

Hi to you all out there. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post to you all my condition & progress. The surgery went far better than the surgeons (& myself) had wished for & repeated that the new liver took well right from the get go. I was breathing on my own right after so they pulled all the breathing tubes right in the OR which they were amazed at. The following day I could nibble on morsels & by that night was put on an unrestricted diet. That same night I was walking. I think both Dan & Big Mick called just prior to my going for an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed the liver & the blood activity & blood flow to be just great. They're mostly just watching me mend up at the moment & looking to see how my body continues to adjust to its new organ. I'm still not doing well in the sleep department though with the pain med's I'm doing a good bit better than before the surgery but the pain med's are so much needed at the moment. Aside from the lack of sleep & the pain I'm feeling like I've got to be the worlds luckiest guy blessed with such a great wife & kids & family & friends. The support of Justine was, as always my saving grace, my kids are still toughing it out but they've also been great, my mother & sister went way beyond in their helping with the kids & the overwelling support of my Mudcat friends was the finial lift that helped more than any of you can imagine. What a difference the support from all of you gave to my morality & to my fighting spirit can't be measured. The waiting was a killer but it was your support that really pulled me past that huge stumbling block.
I've got to give my deepest & most solemnly profound thanks to the donor & their family. The history & info on the donor & their family is not given out by the hospital or staff so I'll have to follow it up only as far as they think appropriate & from there on out just honor their wishes & hopefully the donor's family well one day know much they've helped another family. I do know what happened to the person & was told that was more than enough info & please not to pursue it further. So I'll probability have to just let it be.
Thanks Rita so much for your insights into post recovery all your points were right on & well taken thanks, it'll be a great help to me & to others in my further recovery.
NEFFA may be a possibility depending if the Docs' think I'll be able to handle a crowd at that time & depending if the kids feel up to doing it for a day, they need their Dad back again more than their Dad needs a musical moment, probably be pretty much the same for Mystic but I think both they & I will be in a better place at that point in time but we'll still have to play it out by the day. The Getaway will have to be a must if for no more reason than to get to the largest of mudcat gatherings to give an in your face personal thanks to Mudcatters everywhere, both here & abroad, gotta love you guys.
Will post soon, Thanks, Barry

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: GUEST,Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 05:29 AM

I was off Mudcat when the good news came through so belated best wishes, Barry, for a continuing full recovery.
RtS

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: bbc
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 05:37 AM

So good to hear from yourself, Barry. We'll get to praying about that pain & recup. Hope to see you soon.

love,

bbc & Duane D.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 08:00 AM

Great to hear from you directly Barry. I had wnated to phone, but didn't want to disturb you -- so i'll probably phone tomorrow -- any news on when you will be released? Perhaps it's a bit premature, but it sounds like you're doing very well -- better than any other I've heard. And that's great -- but don't overdo, your wife and kids a probably greatly relieved and will be happy to have you back home. So, if not NEFFA, perhaps we'll see you at Mystic.

We (the Johnson Girls) had a rehearsal last night and we put together our set for NEFFA -- with a song for you -- (and no, it's not "...Away, you lolling liver...")

but seriously -- collectively we've been sending our good thoughts and prayers on the wind to you. Along with the good thoughts and prayers of all the other Mudcatters and your many friends on both sides of the big pond -- guess it worked!!! A number of people on the other side of the big pond have asked me to send you their best and wish you well.

Be well.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 10:22 AM

Well, big guy, good to receive your full report. Everyone has told you to take it easy so I hope I will not see you at NEFFA. To encourage you to stay at home with your wife and kids where you belong, I will not sing any songs for you or even breathe your name on stage. But I am just overjoyed to hear you're doing so well.

Mystic should be another story. Bob and I will be in England that weekend but just about all your other music friends will be there. You'll have a great time in a great setting. Think of me.

Talk with you soon. See you soon.

Love from Bonnie and all the best from yours truly,
Dan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 10:28 AM

I just wanted to add that you'll sleep a lot better if you stop watching "Total War on the Eastern Front" just before bedtime.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 10:31 AM

Yeah..........what my buddy Dan said. Don't push it, my pig headed (that means stubborn to you non Irish folk) Irish friend. By the grace of God, good doctors, supportive family, and an unnamed family that chose during a time of grief to bestow the gift of life (God be good to them), you now have a lot of time to come out. Just take your time, do what the good Doctors instruct, and what your family needs. The rest of us can wait, my friend. Recover, so's I can give you a load of ripe shite for your snoring when we get to FSGW this fall. I can't wait.

AND HOW ABOUT THE REST OF YOUSE LAYABOUTS START PLANNING NOW TO ATTEND THIS EVENT IN OCTOBER? WITH THIS MUCH LEAD TIME YOU SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO ATTEND. WE CAN MAKE IT THE WOODSTOCK OF THE MUDCAT WORLD. GREAT MUSIC, GREAT FRIENDS.............DON'T GIT ANY BETTER 'EN THAT, MA!!!!! I drive almost 13 hours each way for this one. And it is worth the trek.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 10:35 AM

Still with you, Barry.

~S~

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 11:38 AM

Hey Barry,

This is great news at a moment that I need great news! My thoughts are with you and justine and the kids. Hope to see you at Mystic and then later in the year at the Getaway.

Get well and get home.

Brett

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: annamill
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 12:47 PM

We're so glad you're doing well, Barry!

Love, Annamill

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Dharmabum
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 05:58 PM

Good on ya Barry!

Best wishes, DB.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 10:49 PM

Continued healthy thoughts, prayers, and best wishes! See you at the Getaway!

(I really need more hours in the day to keep up with all my forums!)

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Apr 01 - 11:22 PM

I was thinking of you a lot in the past 36 hours Barry as I went through more of those lovely "tests" that the Docs are so fond of. You have my best thoughts still wingin' your way and also some good thoughts for Justine too. I looked at Karen at one point this morning and realized that all this stuff is in many ways a lot tougher on her than on me.........So give Justine an extra smile and tell her it came from me. Having a great partner and lifemate is not to be taken lightly. Do all the right stuff (even when its a pain in the rump) and get well!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Dani
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 10:21 AM

Um, Mick? I don't think that snorer was Barry. I think it was you. I'm sorry to have to be the one to break it to you. Do I need to dust off the films?

Barry, you pay no attention to the man. By the time October rolls around you'll be healthier, happier and stronger than any of us, and taking on all comers. Any thoughts of bringing your family along? I'm on the fence about kids.

Enjoy your health and your family with the wisdom and depth that only a close call can bring. Thanks for reminding us not to take for granted what we have...

Dani

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 12:17 PM

Hi all -- spoke with Barry this morning -- he sounds terrific -- certainly has lots of spirit. He said the doctors may release him on Sunday, but the nurses told him not to be disappointed if that doesn't happen. We had a long conversation and he's looking forward to being home with Justine and the kids. Alison and I are going to try to get to see him this weekend and we'll post when we do.

in the meanwhile Barry -- as the Brits would say "Keep your pecker up!!"

LOL (whichever interpretation you would like) from the ranks here in NYC.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Susan from California
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 02:17 PM

Great news! I hope the card I sent makes it by Saturday!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 06:16 PM

Barry's update went out to the Prayer Chain. (Please see Prayer Chain Update and FAQ thread if any questions.)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 07:32 PM

YAY, BARRY! This is such wonderful news! I would be shocked to see you at NEFFA and as great as it would be, I join the voices suggesting you just might want to rest up a wee bit more (jeez, guy, it's only been a week!!). Blessings all around! Maybe Old Songs will be a place to get some musical moments???

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 08:40 PM

Barry, I know you got the best liver possible --- as opposed to the worst liver. (I'm dyslexic --- I mean liverworst.)

No pun in 10 did. (Heal fast and painlessly !)

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 09:36 PM

Gosh Art. Now I don't feel well.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Apr 01 - 11:14 PM

Geeziz.....I know what you mean Sins. I think Barry will be okay though. I was reading about liver transplants at the hospital the other day and the current procedure involves attaching the transplanted organ farther up in the thoracic cavity. They say it is more time consuming surgically but the recipient can afterwards experience life as a high liver.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 08:14 AM

Spaaaaaww!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 10:22 AM

LOL @SPAW!

Hi, Barry, so good to hear from you and to hear how well you are doing.

Still sending you lots of energy, thoughts and good wishes. I am down in Colorado and it is cloudy and cool in the lower mountains. Beautiful, though, the forsythias are blooming along with many other flowers and the trees are starting to green up. I am off to have lunch with me dad, today, in Utah, after we listen to him gig for the old folks at a nursing home. He will be 84 come May 8th.

Rest up....your body just survived a major assault..be with your family...good medicine, and if there is anyway at all that we can do Getaway this year, I'll take one of of those hugs ya'll will passing back and forth!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 01:56 PM

I've been sifting through my sea songs collection for appropriate songs for strengthening the liver. I did run across many references to Liverpool...Hmmmm. One could do worse than rewording a little:

Wish I was back in Liverpool,
Liverpool town where I was "re-born",
Where there ain't no trees,
No sented breeze,
No fields of waving corn,
But there's lots of girls
With peroxide curls,
And the black and tan flows free,
And there's six to the bed
At the old piershead,
That's Liverpool town for me.

Take it easy, but take it!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 04:40 PM

I suppose someone will take this wrong, but... Barry won the Liverpool.

Think of it as a tough steeplechase with Barry riding hard for home, and it doesn't sound so bad.

~S~

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 04:43 PM

That's four "Our Fathers" and ten "Hail Marys" for you lady. De-liver us from evil. Amen.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 04:44 PM

When we're not totally politically correct, we sometimes permit ourselves to feel relieved. I was also thinking about "Them Liverpool Judies who had Barry in Tow."

:-)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 04:46 PM

Sinsull, I didn't dare to mention "Delivery Songs."
For shame!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Apr 01 - 05:06 PM

I was just in the DT looking up song and came across that one with the judies too, and.... LOL!

Yeah, Sins, every once in awhile I just climb into a barrel and go right over the falls. You have no idea how often I restrain myself around here, or how bad I could be!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Ferrara
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 01:06 AM

Just read Barry's post. Barry, you must have had Superman somewhere in your family tree! Breathing on your own before you left the OR! Eating regular food the next evening! Out of bed on the second day! This must have been a bionic liver or something.

Actually I'm just jealous....

I figured you'd do really well because A, you're pretty fit for an old guy :) and B, you're determined. But this is ridiculous. What happened to that four week stay?

Seriously, Barry, I hope you're home with your family in record time, and keep on recovering at this same incredible rate. This is just great news.

A lot of transplant patients do have trouble sleeping. It's the meds. Like all the rest, it gets better with time. I know a woman heart recipient, whose sister had a sweatshirt made for her that just said, "It's the Drugs." Blame everything on the drugs. It's a great all purpose excuse.

BTW given how well you're doing, you may find your doctors cut those medicine doses back way earlier than the average schedule. This is all so encouraging. May you continue to astound and amaze us with your speedy recovery.

Rita

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: KAS
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 01:55 AM

Yeah Barry!

Great to hear you're doing so well. You really are one of my musical heroes. I can't thank you enough for many good times and good thoughts for me and TNT, and for all the many moments Alison and I and all in NY are jamming and turn to each other: "Man, Barry should be here!" So glad that you are Here! Looking forward to hard harmonizin' at Mystic!

Congratulations! Love and best wishes to you and family,

Ken

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Art Thieme
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 12:55 AM

Barry,

We all know that even in these flush times some good folks have way too little cash on hand. A friend of mine needed a rather touchy kind of transplant---a male sex organ transplant--commonly known as a schmuckelectomy. To save money, he went to Sears and had it done there. (They had advertised a cut-rate job.) Well, it all went real well and he's fine now---except whenever he gets sexually aroused his garage door goes up.

The sad part was that his hand rejected it.

Art Thieme (and I know I've posted these before---but it just seems to be the right time and place---once again...)

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: GUEST,Judy Predmore
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 01:16 AM

Barry, By the time you read all these recent posts, I hope it doesn't hurt too much when you laugh...

Just finished Friday & Saturday at NEFFA. You've had many a song dedicated to you... And that's only in the sessions I attended. I'm sure there were more, & there will be more on Sunday...

Judy

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 08:31 AM

Judy is right. You were much on the minds of those at NEFFA. The Johnson Girls sang Julianna and dedicated it to you. The rest of the 'catters in the room roared along sending our best over the distance to you.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 08:38 AM

AKA "London Julie." Yep, I was sure trying to sing loud enough for you to hear!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:28 AM

Hey Jeri, what time did you get home? I left there too early but got home just before I fell asleep at the wheel. The Johnson Girls tape I bought from Sandy kept me going.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 09:27 PM

Just checking in to see if Barry got to go home today. I guess not but then the nurse said not to depend on it.

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 10:07 PM

Spoke with him on Friday. He sounded like... SUPERMAN!!!

Subject: RE: Barry Finn - Four: Post Op
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 10:59 AM

And the next part of the thread is:

HOME SOON/HOME NOW .