Patient Profile

Robert Fierro
Liver Transplant Recipient, April 2000
Reno, Nevada


Robert Fierro learned he had Hepatitis C at age 45 during a visit to his family doctor. He hadn't had a physical in several years but when he accompanied his wife for her check up in 1996, her doctor convinced Robert he needed a physical as well. His blood test results alerted his doctor to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a biopsy confirmed that some liver damage had occurred, even though Robert never had any symptoms.

After being referred to California Pacific Medical Center by his gastroenterologist, Robert came in for a two-day evaluation and shortly after, in October 1996, his name was added to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver waiting list (a nationwide organ registry that matches waiting recipients with available donor organs). While he waited for a new liver, Robert continued his usual routine, working nine hours a day at a local printing company and caring for a house full of children. He continued to have check ups with the California Pacific team, both in San Francisco and at their outreach clinic in Reno, Nevada, but experienced no significant problems related to HCV.

In early 2000, everything changed. "I started having bloody noses, cramping and water retention in my stomach," Robert explains. "My legs swelled with edema and I continuously felt tired and run down." He was admitted to the hospital and spent 18 days in intensive care on dopamine to increase his blood pressure. Once his condition stabilized, Robert was released from the hospital and continued his wait for a liver.

On April 25, 2000 at 7:20 pm, Robert and his wife received the call that a liver was available and immediately rushed to the airport in Reno to catch a 7:50 flight to San Francisco. Upon arrival at California Pacific Medical Center, he underwent some final tests before being wheeled into surgery. His wife anxiously waited to hear news about his condition and was relieved when the doctors came out of surgery two hours early, announcing the procedure a success.

Robert was discharged nine days following his surgery and continues to notice the difference his new liver makes. "Since the transplant, I've been more alert and energetic. I feel really good now!" he exclaims. He also has great respect for the care he's received from staff at California Pacific Medical Center. "It's a great hospital and the liver team is out of this world! The whole team gets together to talk about each patient's condition and carefully evaluates recommendations as a unit, which is really important. Plus, the nurses are on the ball with everything," says Robert.

Robert returned home with his new liver in late May, to the delight of his family and friends. He will continue seeing the liver team locally and in San Francisco every couple of months to monitor his health and liver function, making sure that he continues to feel as good as ever.