Bartlett Recovering From Oct. 30 Transplant SurgeryBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, November 07, 2005
Florida - Former town Selectman Timothy Bartlett, 50, underwent a second successful liver transplant surgery on Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Indiana University Medical Center and is recovering at a temporary Indiana residence.
Bartlett’s sister-in-law Cheryl Dabrowski of Adams recently joined Bartlett and his wife Janet in Indiana. Speaking during a Nov. 7 telephone interview, Dabrowski said that Bartlett is feeling better and has not faced any complications since the surgery. He was released from the hospital on Nov. 6.
“He’s looking better and his color is better,†said Dabrowski. “He’s actually pretty feisty. In fact, he had some blood work done today and [the blood work] indicates that he is doing very well.â€
Bartlett left his home for the medical center on Oct. 23; he was placed on an organ bank waiting list on Friday, Oct. 28, Dabrowski said.
“They listed him on Friday and on Sunday, they got a call to go the [hospital] Emergency Room,†Dabrowski said.
Bartlett is expected to remain in Indiana for another four to six weeks so that physicians may evaluate him twice weekly.
A spaghetti supper fundraiser for Bartlett was held on Nov. 3 at the BountiFare restaurant. Dabrowski said that about 500 people attended.
“I think about 90 percent of the people who live in Florida went down,†she said. “We are so grateful for the support for Tim.â€
Bartlett underwent a liver transplant surgery about 16 years ago at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after being diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis, a progressive liver disease that can result in liver failure. Bartlett made a full recovery and was able to resume normal activities including employment until February. In February, Bartlett began feeling ill and was again diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis.
During a previous interview, Dabrowski said that Bartlett did not smoke and had not indulged in drinking alcoholic beverages, and noted that doctors did not know what, if anything, caused the disease to again affect Bartlett. Bartlett’s treating physicians recommended a second liver transplant.
Dabrowksi said that Bartlett’s family is relieved and optimistic that Bartlett will make a full recovery.
“The doctors are quite pleased with his progress so far,†she said.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.
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