I want to share a very profound time in my life with my patients, friends, staff and my loving family. Over a period of forty days starting in late November 2001, I went from feeling healthy and whole to near death as my liver went into sudden and almost complete failure. I thank the Great Spirit for surrounding me with so many people who care. Prayers, ceremonies and prayer chains brought me through a place from which many people never return.

My liver condition was caused by the virus Hepatitis C. I most likely contracted the virus during my early years as a dentist in the late 1970s or early '80s. Back then, much of the surgery I did was performed without gloves or barrier protection as not much was known about blood-born pathogens. I was unaware that I had the virus until a little over two years ago. Hepatitis C is considered a "silent killer" because it does its damage over many years during which there are often no symptoms until the liver is compromised beyond repair. This was my case.

In a near-coma state, I was medi-vaced from Anchorage to the University of Washington Medical Center on January 29, 2002. I spent the next six days in the Intensive Care Unit, intubated and sedated, waiting for a transplant. I had developed an infection and had to wait for it to clear in order to be eligible for a transplant. The doctors prepared my family for the worst. But my family and friends would not give up on me. My wife Connie, brother Jim, and son Satanta never left my side. Although I was in a coma, I felt their presence and love. I also felt the love and support of the many people who would not let me go.

On February 5, I received my new liver. I am now feeling very thankful and very blessed. I miss our home in Palmer and my practice, but I have to stay here for 90 days post surgery. This is a critical time for transplant patients as signs of rejection must be monitored closely and dealt with immediately.

I want to thank my loyal staff in Palmer: Dental Assistant Lisa Sledge and Hygienist Charlotte Rancourt. I will also be forever grateful to Dr. Dennis Smedley and Dr. Joe Koliadko, Jr., for taking such good care of my patients in my absence. I admire these men greatly.

I want to share this spiritual experience. I want to let everyone know that I felt all the love and prayers. I was surrounded by thousands of spirits. I was always connected to this plane and I never felt the possibility of not coming back. You all had a hold on me and love made it all possible. I want to send my blessings to each and every one of you.

Addendum, March 18, 2002

Fred was feeling so good when he wrote this article. We had no forewarning of what was to come. The love of my life, my wonderful soul mate, passed away on March 17th of complications from his transplant. His white blood cell count had fallen dangerously low because of the medications and he succumbed to a blood-born bacteria. I am so thankful for the extra 40 days we were given by his transplant. We made such good use of the time, living every minute to its fullest. I am deeply grateful for all of the love and prayers that you gave Fred and our family.

Connie Fredenberg