R2D2

It has been an eventful week. Let me try to type a quick update on everything that has happened. On Monday Dad went in to the hospital for iv treatment of his pulmonary hypertension. It appeared to be working great. Good enough to send him home on Wednesday. Around lunchtime on Wednesday Mom and Dad left the hospital. They stopped to grab a bite to eat before heading home. To make a long story short, on the way home Dad's defibrillator went off. Mom rushed him to the ER (thank goodness they were still close to the hospital) and he was admitted. Dad was not reacting well to the iv meds and that was causing severe arrhythmias. The meds were stopped.

On Thursday Dad had a procedure to install an intra aortic balloon pump. This will regulate the heart pressure and basically perform the functions of his heart until he receives his transplant. As Dad was being wheeled out of surgery he said, "Hey, look at my new heart. It is R2D2."

With this machine Dad will not be leaving the hospital until he gets a new heart. He won't be very mobile. There are lots of wires and monitors that make moving around somewhat difficult. Dad is taking this very well. He is in good spirits and willing to do whatever it takes to get his "new motor."