Never a Dull Moment

We knew going in to this that some days would be better than others. We knew some weeks would be tough. Well, this was one of those week for Dad.

While he was in the hospital last week, they really increased the doses on some of his medications to treat the rejection. It seems that these increases have wreaked some havoc on Dad's body. He has lost most of his strength and has regular dizzy spells.

On Thursday he went in for his regular appointment (labs, biopsy and doctor visit). The really good news is that his biopsy came back as a 1. However, the not so good news is that Dad felt he needed some extra attention at his doctor visit, so he fainted (they called it a syncopal event) in the middle of the waiting room! I guess we have to give it to Dad, because he picked a good place to do it! So, needless to say, Dad was admitted to the hospital for observation.

Between yesterday and today, he has had every test in the book. Labs came back normal except for his magnesium levels, so they gave him an IV booster. His heart pressure and functions look fantastic, according to the docs. Lungs and labs look good too. So, if Dad can get his strength back (they have adjusted a few of the meds to hopefully help with this), we will be looking good. Dad believes it is a combination of medications causing the fainting spells, so they really listened to what he had to say and said OK, let's try it. Now we pray Dad gets right back on his road to recovery.

It is easy for Dad to get frustrated with all of this. He has been through so much these last few months. I can only imagine how much he just wants to feel normal again. However, we must remember that it has been less than two months since he had his chest opened up and his heart removed. When you say it like that, everything else seems like a cake walk.

Thanks again for all of the continued support. Keep Mike in your prayers. We need him to get stronger and feeling better. Also, please keep Mom in your thoughts too. May she continue to find her strength to give Dad the support he needs. One last note. I have some pretty amazing parents. They show me every day what the meaning of family really is.

Quick Trip

When we were told what would happen if Dad went into rejection, we were warned he would be in the hospital at least one week for treatment. Well, in Dad's usual fashion, he was out in three days. They let him go home today. After just three days on the iv meds, Dr. Torre said Dad looked great and was ready to get out of the hospital. He will still be on some higher med doses than he had been before this episode, but at least he doesn't have to stay in the hospital. He will go back on Thursday for another biopsy just to make sure everything looks good. Overall, he is looking and feeling great!

Back to the Hospital

Dad got his biopsy results back today. Unfortunately, it was a 2. This means he is in the early stages of rejection. This also means he is on his way back to the hospital for at least a week of treatment. Although this is a little scary, it is to be expected during this process. He is at the best place in the world for this and his doctors know how to treat this. So, for now I ask for your prayers. I will post more once he is admitted and we hear more from the doctors.

Home Alone

This week was Dad's first week at home without help. It has been 5 weeks since his heart transplant. So far, he is doing great. He still struggles every day with his strength, but each day he gets a little better. Sometimes you almost forget that he had a life altering surgery just a few weeks ago. It really is amazing.

Dad is now going for his appointments every other week. Tomorrow he will have his blood work done, his biopsy and his check-up. I will have more to post tomorrow or Friday after we get the results. Please pray that Dad continues to get favorable results on his biopsies!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

Yes, I know this blog is about Dad's heart transplant journey. However, just for today, this is about her. The world should know what a wonderful woman Kelly and I have as a mother and what a beautiful and loving wife my dad has by his side. For our entire lives she has supported us and taken care of us. She has shown my family how to love and to live with all of your heart. She has been there for Dad through his wild adventures and through his illness. Without her, we would all be lost. She has been a rock these last few months. Most days I am in awe of how she puts everything she has into the day and then gets up and does it all over again. She is a magnificent.

Mom, Happy Mother's Day from your family. We love you!

Return to Normal

Each day brings Dad and his family closer to having a normal life together. After years of wondering when Dad would have his next episode and after months of sitting in the hospital waiting for a chance to finally move past his disease, we are finally moving forward. We are finally getting to exhale.

The days don't bring a lot to report on the medical front. Dad had one doctor visit since my last post. On Thursday he had blood work done and a biopsy. His blood work looked perfect and he scored another 1 on his biopsy. Everything is looking great! This week will be the first week Mike has no appointments! He is really looking forward to a week with no hospitals, no needles and no waiting rooms. Thank God for the little things.

On Friday, in Victor's words, Papa took his new heart out for the first time. Dad has been on a few outings here and there since he has been home from the hospital. However, on Friday we all went out for the first time as a family. We did one of our favorite things. Eat Mexican food. It was nice. Really nice.

What is more fun to post about these days is how Dad is getting to spend time with his grandkids. How nice it is to see Mimi and and Papa together again with the munchkins. This weekend Abby and Victor were in and out of the container, grabbing hugs and kisses from Mimi and Papa and raiding the snack bucket like old times. Taylor stops in to say hello each day when he gets home from school. Danielle is back to giving her Papa a hard time. Ok, maybe that goes both ways. Anyway, it is a good sound to hear the laughter and playing surrounding my mom and dad. This is what Dad fought for. This return to normal is what makes everything Dad went though all worth it.