To Bleed Or Not To Bleed...

...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.

Since we are now considered experienced with his care, he was allowed to leave the hospital on his own steam and not in that dreaded transport chair.  He hated that chair!  His sweet nurse walked us out and circulatory support wasn't even called.   

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments, emails and prayers!  Your support is greatly appreciated.