Holy Moly Cannoli,
It's been a while since last post. Mainly because I forgot my password, but we're back! So much has happened.
1st, I'm happy to report that my father received his heart about 7 months ago and no rejection!
Now, here's a "quick" summary of everything that happened in between posts up until August 22, 2011 and a little after.
My cousin flew into Minnesota to care for my father after his LVAD procedure. She's was so adorable in the airport all bundled up! It was her first time in an airplane and her first time being in the snow. Little did she know, she'd see enough snow for two lifetimes. It was easily top 3 worst winters I've ever been apart of. The only thing colder than the weather, would be my father, once he got home. Part of it was the meds, but he was just unecessarily difficult, mean & controlling to her and I had to play peacekeeper. I knew that I would. I even told them that it wasn't gonna be easy, living together. Dad, getting used to that device and getting used to an entirely new set of dependency, which he never really grasped. Poor cuz, so bright and ready to help her favorite Uncle.
During her stay, whenever the snow permitted, I'd take her to a movie or around the TC, showing her sights and stuff she wouldn't see back in Mobile! I made the most of our time, getting to know my little cousin and what she was interested in. I get the feeling she doesn't have too many of these kinds of conversations, so she has a lot to share and it's great!
When she left in March, to go back to school, Dad managed on his own, but it wasn't hard to tell how much fun he was having schlepping that device everywhere. What's worse was him having to explain it wherever he goes. How often do you see a guy with a battery pack sticking out of his abdomen?
Fast forward to August, when he got the call. I get him to the hospital and we wait....
All the doctors are saying is that they need to check and see if the heart is a match, wherever the heart may be, staying optimistic. Also, the family has to give consent, which did not happen twice before. This time was different. After six hours, I was sleepy and decided to go home. Dad txt me when they took him to the OR. 7 hours later and he is in recovery. So the hard part is over, but it's just the beginning.
There were some major complications with the surgery, he lost a lot of blood. Pre existing conditions further complicated the surgery, but the body took to the heart, with no rejection. That was a major step, but unfortunately, the way the anti reject medicine works, it lowers your white blood cell count, your immune system, leaving you susceptible to all sorts of stuff and that's exactly what happened. The old man contracted a fungal infection in his chest and spread all over. They call it, Aspergillus and it's something not too many people pull from. Once they contain it, it takes forever to leave your system. Luckily, my father is a fighter. As I talked to the doctors about it, they looked so challeneged by it, never revealing how close dad was to the brink. Of course, I had more questions than answers and eventually I hit my breaking point with one of the doctors.
Family from all over poured in to see their brother, some haven't been here since the 80's. We're a prayerful family, but after seeing folks have the same transplant and walk out of hospital only a week later, I was conflicted. I didn't understand God's purpose for putting my father and family through this. Nothing made sense to me and when that happens, frustration and surliness sets in and whoever is in your path will feel it! Everybody told what a good son I am, but it actually made me feel uncomfortable. Being the 1st born comes with a special set of responsibilities. I had to be the communication between dad, his friends and family who couldn't be there. Telling the same story, keeping track of who to tell what is taxing. BTW, shout out to EVERYONE @ Abbott Northwestern Hospital! Not only are they THE BEST heart hospital in the country, but they are also the most generous! There'd be nights where a simple smile or brief conversation with a staff member got me through!
