By Jolene Farley
Beaver Creek resident Ron Rauk has bounced back remarkably well from a lifesaving liver transplant in August of last year.
"I didn't realize how bad I was until I have gotten better," said Rauk. "I am back into a more normal way of life."
Looking back Rauk thinks his health began to deteriorate about three years before the diagnosis of non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver in July of 1998 by doctors at Mayo Clinic.
Rauk said he began to tire more easily but it was a slow deterioration so he didn't see a doctor until the fall of 1997. On his first visit, doctors attributed his problems to a bleeding ulcer.
After another hospitalization in May of 1998, Rauk was referred to Mayo were the non-alcoholic cirrhosis diagnosis was made.
By June of 1999, Ron's health had deteriorated so dramatically he was put on the liver transplant list.
Rauk's liver wasn't cleaning toxins out of his system causing loss of memory, confusion, lethargy and sleeplessness. Rauk was forced to regularly return to Mayo Clinic so doctors could drain fluid out of his abdomen.
On Aug. 28 of last year, the Rauks received a call from Mayo ClinicÉa donor was located. Rauk was wheeled into surgery at midnight on Aug. 29, by 5:30 a.m. the transplant was complete.
Rauk remained in the hospital for 10 more days, then transferred to the Gift of Life House for another 14 days.
Although Rauk's strength has slowly returned over the last year, he still has a few physical restrictions. Doctors advise Rauk not to lift over 40 pounds. They say his illness triggered bone density loss and his bones could easily fracture. Doctors hope RaukÕs bone density will re-build itself in time.
He continues taking anti-rejection drugs and insulin in lower dosages. His insulin usage will decrease as the doses of anti-rejection drugs decreases, according to Rauk.
A local clinic draws blood samples every three weeks and he must travel to Mayo Clinic once a year for a checkup.
Rauk is feeling so much better that the Rauk family recently took a trip to the Renaissance Festival, stopping to shop at the Mall of America and the Medford Mall.
Rauk offers advice to those waiting for a donor, "You have to be patient, have a lot of faith in God, friends and family," said Rauk. "Eventually it will come. There just aren't that many donors available. The patience and faith thatÕs the biggest thing."
The easiest way to donate is when you renew your driver's license, according to Rauk. Just say you want to be a donor. Rauk should know itÕs easy, he has signed up for the last 30 years.
"People shouldn't be afraid to sign a card and be a donor," Rauk said. "Give new life to somebody"
Ron and his wife, Marlys, have two children Ryan, 22, and Linnea, 19.