...That is the question!
After two weeks, Michael came home from the hospital on Wednesday. He ended up with a completely blocked vein in his right leg, which caused them to have to go in both sides for the catheter ablation. He also ended up with a hematoma/bleed in his lower abdomen, which is causing quite a bit of pain. They are hoping it will break down
and resorb into his system, eventually, since doing anything else
invasive would likely cause the same results. Clotting has been a huge
obstacle in this journey, since the beginning and he also tested positive for the heparin antibodies... again.
When he was transferred to St. Luke's from the hospital he started in, his leg looked like this. I won't even mention what else was swollen. (no, there are no photos, either)
I was worried it would end up looking like that after the ablation, but thankfully it didn't.
He
has to go to the clinic (Friday) for more blood work. His Coumadin
levels are watched like crazy, since clotting could effect the mechanics
of the pump. Plus, they are monitoring his blood to watch for changes that indicate internal bleeding. He just told us today that one of the LVAD coordinators
was wanting to get him listed for transplant, so he could be accruing
time, should that be the direction this ends up going. I still refuse
to allow myself to believe he will do anything other than recover with his own heart. I just can't.
Thanks to everyone for the kind comments, emails and prayers! Your support is greatly appreciated.
47 comments:
Well---that last picture makes him look so healthy... BUT--I know that that poor guy has gone through SO much... God Bless him --and YOU...
Hugs and Prayers,
Betsy
The body is remarkable in how it tries to maintain balance...one little thing throws it out of wack. I was glad when the spouse was able to discontinue coumadin...if I bumped him in bed he had a bruise that looked like I tried to murder him. Hope your son thrives out of the hospital.
Warmest thoughts and prayers for Michael and you. I wish there was more I could do but if it helps, know I think of you every day.
Still praying for him and you and that his body somehow heals itself.
He's just been through the war! I so hope he recovers without having to go through the transplant, but thank the Lord that's an option, all the same.
So happy he is home now! Praying for you both!
Blessings,
Cindy
Still praying for you guys! He is really a trooper.
Yahoo - walking out on his own.
I continue to have you in my prayers Cora. ((Hugs))
Bless his heart! You have all been so very much. I hope now things settle down and his heart has time to heal itself.
i agree with betsy, that photo makes him look like a jogger just stopping by. i hate that you've had another 2 weeks of trauma and worry for him as his body goes through so much!
Prayers continue for Michael, MsA, as well for you and hubby taking care of him. Thank you for the update. God bless you all.
xoxo
Continuing to hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
The body is an amazing thing. Have faith, my friend... he will heal and improve the best he can. I am glad he is home... and hope he stays home for longer this time!
Gosh I just hate that he had to go back in - I am so very sorry. I want him to get well and all these things to just go away. It seems like so much. sandie
Still sending up prayers. I hope he puts himself on the list, even as I hope he never needs it. It's an important backup plan as you wait for him to heal.
All of you are still in our prayers. I'm sorry that Michael (and all of you) have had to go through so much. He does look good in your last picture.
hang in there!! guess all of life is full of good days and bad days and we have to focus on the good days...
god bless him! god bless you all.
i am so happy he is home now.
i continue to have him in my prayers. and you.
know i think of you everyday..
(((hugs)))
You are heavy on my mind and in my heart. You all could use some peace, rest and a break from the chronic nature of this illness. I'm sorry for all you have been through and have to keep enduring! Will pray for perseverance to see you through!
You are heavy on my heart and mind. Will pray for perseverance to see you through- as well as strength and some peace. Thinking of you!
That swollen leg thing is just so terrible, I feel so sorry for poor Michael having to go through this, hopefully things improve soon!
Oh, what a journey. Glad they were able to stabilize him again, that swelling must have been extremely uncomfortable and frightening.
I want to tell you something you don't want to think about in case it brings comfort. I know someone who had a heart transplant in her thirties and she is living a normal life, a very normal life... 10 or so years later.
I can't imagine the heaviness in your heart as you trek this journey with your son. I'm keeping good thoughts for you and will continue to send prayers and love your way.
xoRobyn
I think about you and your son all the time. I love when you get a chance to pop in and give us an update.
Keep it up. I know you are working your ass off and you're doing a bang-up job.
Wait a minute. The ablation caused the swelling? Am I missing something here? If an ablation did that, I'm so glad that they had to abandon the ablation they had me scheduled for! I wish that kid could catch a break. But not everyone has parents like he does, so maybe THAT'S his break where luck is concerned. I'm happy about the Cavilon! Did they replace the tape with something better?
Has Dr. House seen him yet?
Your son has a fine caring mother who is doing her absolute best for him, and always will. So he is already ahead of the game. You are dear to many, and are in their thoughts.
i remember my leg looking like that after my "dvt"---so sorry for all michael has gone through and all of you--still praying for your family <3
Wow, I hope he doesn't have any more problems as he heals. Best wishes to all of you.
Oh, gosh, it sounds like I've missed something important and that makes me feel so bad. But I'm glad he's out of the hospital okay (again) and I'm praying he doesn't need that transplant!
I've had you and your son on my mind for some time -- so good to see him on his own two legs. xo
What a journey you are all on. Still praying for health whatever solutions are needed!
Prayers going up. What a journey. You made me smile with your comment on my blog today.
I just feel so bad for him, for you all! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
hugs to you!
Marie
stopping by just to say that you've been constantly on my mind.
i just feel so bad for you all!
i will continue to send good thoughts, love and prayers your way.
(((hugs)))
sending, hugs and continued prayers xo
When it rains it pours but the sun will shine.....
Prayers, prayers, prayers.
How quickly life changes.
Lot's of strength in your family! Healing thoughts coming your way from mine...
I'm sure the atrophied leg will be normal once he starts walking around. Do take care, Ms A! :)
oh my goodness, the ups, downs an din betweens you all have been through. bless you all!
He does look healthy in that last shot, but that leg isn't a pretty sight. I will continue to pray for his recovery too.
Catching up again. I was wondering what was going on and saw nothing new the last time I checked. Glad to hear that he's home. That always makes them feel a bit better!
You sent me to google to find out what heparin antibodies were. We always flushed the CVC with heparin and I thought that was it's one and only use. I guess the pump is flushed with heparin? I'm sorry to hear about the problems with clotting. That leg looks painful. He must be sick of being sick and you must be totally exhausted! I can really feel for you. I know how tiring it is just driving back and forth to the Medical Center each day and the stress wears you out too. I hope and pray things settle down soon and his heart recovers on its own.
Praying too. Just joined your site.
Mary Hill
http://mary-anderingcreatively.blogspot.com/
All the best to your Michael and to you! A long road . . .
Ahh, bless Michael's heart. Literally! It seems like a never-ending cycle, doesn't it? SO glad he left the hospital under his own steam and HOPEFULLY he won't need any heart intervention. I haven't been around lately (I'm caught up in a murder trial, of all things) but I've sure been thinking about you guys!
(((HUGS)))
The bottom picture shows him looking so much better. You have to keep the faith. He will get better and recover. Especially with all your love and attention. Prayers and hugs to you both!
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