Heart Pump Day- September 24, 2010

This hospital experience has shown that miracles happen everyday! Yesterday, they put dad on "rocket fuel." (Yeah, I dont know either.) The doctors were really impressed with how well he reacted to it. He had colors in his face he hasnt had in months. He was able to walk around the hospital with no oxygen for 6 minutes and wasnt winded. This morning we said our tearfilled farewells and the waiting began. The surgeon told us that he was planning on replacing his artificial valve with a pigs valve, (as heart transplants do not work well with the mechanical, yes, I said heart transplant. Apparently the rocket fuel has given the doctors hope that he could handle it!) installing the heart pump, AND going in and un-attaching his pericardium to his lungs. Yeah, they were suddently very optimistic. In the waiting room we were promised updates every 2 hours. The first one was good news and they were putting in his new valve. The second was that they were starting with the pump. Then this third update they said they were putting in chest tubes and will be starting to close within the hour. Suddenly his 12 hour surgery turned into just under 6. What wonderful blessings we as a family have been able to receive this day! He's made it through the worst and soon we'll be able to see him. All this means that he'll heal faster and recovery will be a less involved effort. My 3 brothers, mom and I were filled with such joy at the news! He lived!! He would meet and love his new grandson Weston, watch little (well not so little) Brayden and Whitney grow and become more adorable (if thats possible), and I truly will see him when I come home. We've been so blessed!!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, AND FAITH!!!!

I know that it is because of your love that my dad will see more years!

This will allow my dad to be healthier and have more energy,

and we'll have our dad/papa!!!

Love- Angela

Change is the only constant in life.

Kris' surgery has been moved to Friday September 24 @ 7:30 a.m.  The surgeon will be in to discuss the "creative" ways he can come up with to get

Please keep praying for him. Your prayers are felt.

We have a goal!

Kris was admitted today at 5:00 p.m.  We could have left around 12:00 today and still been here in plenty of time.  Hindsight is 20/20.  The surgery has been scheduled for Friday September 24 @ 7:30 a.m.  This is a really nice hospital.  Very caring.  Just slow, slow, slow.  Take one step and wait, and then one step and wait. There is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Thank you for your prayers.

Here we go!!

It has been a while since anything was posted. Sorry about that. Things have been a bit interesting around here. Kris didn't qualify for the Jarvic 2000 due to his previous open heart surgery and also the Jarvis is hooked to the descending aorta which is too far from the artificial valve and blood clots could form. He has two choices. Maintain status quo, which isn't working, or get the Heartmate II pump. He has decided on the HeartMate II. It is put on the ascending aorta, which solves the blood clot issue. They will still not open up his sternum, but put it under the ribcage to the left ventricle, and then cut on the upper right of his chest and carve a path to the aorta. Sounds like lots of fun, huh?lol. The surgeon said he has done it before Kris' surgery. The surgery will be at least 6 hours, so stress will be high for all involved.

Kris will be admitted on Tuesday September 21 for tests and the surgery will be September 23. Recovery will be at least three weeks up to 6 weeks in hospital. He will be in Utah for about two months. Many thanks to his mom for her willingness to care for him after he is discharged.

There will be a fast for him on Tuesday the 21st. Please join in if possible. Also, please pray for him. The prayers are felt.

We love you all.