Gonzalez on new kidney: I feel like a 2-year old

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez left the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City yesterday afternoon after more than a month of confinement following a kidney transplant.

In a phone interview with reporters, the 76-year-old Gonzalez said he “feels like a two-year-old” with his new kidney.

Gonzalez underwent a four-hour kidney transplant operation last month.

The kidney donor was Gonzalez’s driver of 30 years, who immediately volunteered to donate one of his kidneys upon knowing the need of the secretary.

Gonzalez said he will be back at the Department of Justice by December after the President extended his vacation by another three months.

“She wants me to go back. She said I will only deteriorate if I stay home,” he said.

“I will follow what she wants me to do. If she needs me, I will be there,” Gonzalez added.

Gonzalez said he is now undergoing therapy after having difficulty in walking.

“My doctors are also monitoring my legs. We will do a series of tests,” he said.

Gonzalez said he might be visiting the DOJ next month either in a wheelchair or with the aid of a cane.

Gonzalez earlier admitted that his doctors believed that a kidney transplant was better than constant dialysis.

Gonzalez’s request for sick leave was approved by President Arroyo on Aug. 31.

The secretary was rushed to Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center in Mandaluyong City last Aug. 3 after he vomited blood. He was confined for treatment of bleeding ulcers and discharged three days later. – Mike Frialde