Sick

Well, Mike has come down with a cough and cold. Right now it looks like he will not be admitted tomorrow for his pulmonary hypertension treatment. The good news is all of his tests and procedures from last week came back clear and as soon as he has this treatment he will be all clear for surgery.

Update on Mike's Race to a New Heart

Mike has almost completed all of the necessary pre-transplant tests and procedures. He goes next week for two minor consultations and procedures. Then the next week (Monday, January 25th) he will be admitted to the hospital for a round of iv treatment for pulmonary hypertension. It it dangerous to transplant a heart in a patient that has pulmonary hypertension, so they must treat this issue first before he gets his new heart. It should take just a few days and he will hopefully be out of the hospital around Wednesday of the same week. If all goes well during that trip to the hospital then the waiting game...and the praying...officially begins.

Infection and Rejection Class

Here are a few more notes from another mandatory class on Infection and Rejection for transplant recipients and their family.

• the transplanted organ is viewed by your body as an invading protein, just like a virus, and comes under attack by antibodies - this process is known as rejection
• rejection can be mild moderate or severe and is a very normal response for the body
• rejection does not mean the transplant has failed
• immunosuppresive drugs are given so the immune system is suppressed to allow the heart to remain
• this action exposes the body to a greater risk of infection
• warning signs of rejection can be unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, and fever
• there are treatments for rejection and at least one transplant rejection episode is anticipated during the early transplant recovery period
• infection is actually a greater concern to the patient than rejection
• Risk for infection will be greatest in the beginning and decrease throughout Mike's life
• HAND WASHING is absolutely the most important preventive measure
• Masks and gloves must be worn by all care takes for at least one month after discharge
• Mike will be required to wear a mask outside of his hospital room and should wear one for an extended period of time post discharge
• crowds will be a big no-no for at least 6 months post discharge
• no one should ever come in contact with Mike if they have been sick or think they are getting sick - there is no such thing of a minor infection for Mike after he gets his new heart
• every infection can be serious
• no flowers, stuffed animals, plants, fruit or food can be delivered to Mike
• from here on out Mike's food must be cooked to specific temperatures and prepared with certain precautionary measures - if you plan to cook for him, these rules MUST be followed (will share more when we get closer to that time)

Your Transplant and After Class

Mom, Dad, Kelly and I went to the Your Transplant and After class. I thought I would give everyone a quick summary of what we learned.

• only immediate care givers should accompany Mike to the hospital when he gets the call
• there is always a chance he may not get a heart even after the call - he could be called as a back-up or there could be a problem with the donor heart
• the heart can survive outside of the donor body only 4 hours
• Dad will not be cut open until the heart surgeon has actually visualized the donor heart and confirmed it is of good quality and match
• after the surgery he will go to in the Intensive Care Unit (FICU - 3rd floor Fondren) for 3 to 6 days
• when he is stable he will move to the Transplant Floor on the 4th floor of Dunn Tower
• visitors should be kept to a minimum while Mike is in the hospital - he is highly susceptible to infection and they suggest only healthy immediate family members come in contact with him for approximately one month after surgery
• he will be in the hospital 7 to 14 days after the surgery
• he will require at-home 24 hour care for the first 30 days after discharge
• he cannot travel more than 2 hours away from the hospital 3 to 6 months after surgery
• there will be no heavy lifting for Mike the first 8 weeks and no driving for 6 to 8 weeks
• he must avoid anyone who receives a live vaccine for 2 weeks

Continuing Education

As we prepare for Dad's big day we will all need to learn how to deal with the multitude of issues involved with a transplant. These classes won't be the kind you can put on your resume, but will be beneficial none the less. All friends and family that will be involved in Mike's care are welcome to attend any of the classes. They will be held in the Comal/Frio Conference Room at The Methodist Hospital (6565 Fannin Street). No RSVP is needed. Just show up. There are more dates available after these. Just let me know if none of these work for you.

Infection and Rejection
1/5/10 4pm - 6pm
2/16/1o 4pm - 6pm
3/30/10 4pm - 6pm

Your Transplant and After
12/29/10 4pm - 6pm
1/12/10 4pm - 6pm
2/23/10 4pm - 6pm
4/6/10 4pm - 6pm

Transplant Medications
2/2/10 4pm - 6pm
3/16/10 4pm - 6pm

In The Beginning

It is hard to know exactly what to say on this monumental first post. This blog is to help keep friends and family of Mike Nall updated on his progress before and after his heart transplant. It could be weeks or months before the big day arrives, but there will certainly be lots of information, stories, and memories to share as we pass the time. There will be posts made by many of his family members. We are even hoping that occasionally the patient himself will have some tidbits of wisdom to share with us. I have no doubt that these pages will eventually be filled with humor that will carry this family through this life changing event.