I must begin by saying how overwhelming it is to have all these thoughts, prayers and well wishes to me and my family from people I have only an internet connection, and some of those have never even followed me on this site. When my son moved out here to CA we were worried about him being so far from home without family, but the outpouring of support from their friends out here has been beyond phenomenal. They have made meals, shuttled to the airport, babysat, and shopped. We no longer have to worry about them being out here.
All the days have seem to blend together and it is hard to believe that six days have passed since we flew out here. I will try to bring everyone up to date because of all the good words everyone has sent our way. I am not sure if I will get the dates right, but will do my best.
My son's heart was damaged due to a viral infection and they had him on an external pump to pump his blood while trying to give his heart a chance to rest. The doctors then planned for surgery to attach a smaller device that would allow him to be more mobile, but it would still be an external device. The morning of the surgery the doctors did an EKG and saw that the right side of his heart had healed considerably so they were only going to do an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) implant. This device was implanted and only one wire passes through his chest/abdomen area to a control and power pack. It is extremely mobile and he will be able to go out to dinner and even fly. This unit will give his left side a chance to heal which is what we are all hoping for, but if it doesn't it will be a bridge to a possible heart transplant.
The following morning my daughter-in-law got a call telling her that he was going back in to surgery because there was some bleeding that they needed to explore and stop. It turns out that it was a small blood vessel that was nicked during the suturing. Still worrisome but not unexpected.
I think that was yesterday morning with the first surgery being done on Monday. Today he is still sedated despite them reducing his sedation. We have been told it sometimes takes days for a patient to come out of sedation after so many days being under. He has a fever today, which is also not unexpected, and they are treating him for that while they try to wake him up. It is still a critical time and I and my family appreciate all the prayers. A Thank You just doesn't seem adequate but it is all I can do.
Waiting is such a difficult thing to do. You just have to keep on hoping and allow your friends on here and from afar to provide you with the support you need by sending their hopes, wishes and prayers to your son and your family.
So sorry to hear about the setbacks and extra surgery. although it's great that doctors nowadays can help the haeart to rest and heal and with the LVAD implant hopefully the left side will heal as well. I can imagine that the waiting and not knowing what's going to happen next is awful but with our thoughts and prayers for your son and his whole family we know he is going to make it.
Glad to hear the update. Lucky he is where he is as many hospitals do not do the LVAD, so he is obviously in good hands. They are correct it does take some time to wake some one up sedation. You especially don't want to go too fast if they have been using narcotics or benzos as you could have some withdrawal. Sounds like he is heading in the right direction! You continue to receive some cyperhugs from me and many others on 365, for that you can be sure
Ray, I am so happy to hear that your son is doing better. Even with the setbacks you described it sounds like things are really looking up. I will continue to send positive energy your way!
I will continue to hold you and your son and your extended family in my thoughts. May he continue to gain strength and be ready for the next step in healing.
Thank you, Ray, for taking precious time out of your very hectic days right now to update us about your son's condition. I continue, as well, to send prayers for his complete recovery, and am keeping you all in my thoughts.
Thank you for keeping us posted. I've been thinking of you and wishing the best for your son. I'm glad you have some answers and that he's doing as well as can be expected.
i saw your previous post about your son, and even though i had not been a follower, i had been thinking of and praying for him ever since. will continue to pray for him and his complete healing.
That was all you needed to say--it is good news and the rest will take time. Hang in there--all of my thoughts and best wishes go out to him, yourself and your family.
Life takes us on a strange journey at the best of times... as long as we go with the flow and try not to resist it too much... Hoping your son gets strong and comes home to you safe and sound..
Thanks for taking the time to let us know about your sons condition...my thoughts have turned to you on a number of occasions recently. You both will continue to be in my prayers and I hope his complete recovery is coming soon!
I've been thinking of you often. Thank you for the update. I am praying for a full recovery for your son. I hope he wakes up and gives you a big smile soon.
Thanks for the update! You and your son and your entire family will continue to lifted up before the throne of God for complete healing and strength during this trying time.
Thankyou for letting us know how your son is, as he has been in my thoughts along with you and your family. I will continue to send my positive thoughts that he makes a quick recovery. Having a heart child and many friends with heart children, the setbacks, although unexpected do happen but these children recover so well despite these. Your son is a strong young man with a loving family around him (including those gorgeous little boys to live for) and it sounds like wonderful friends. You will all help to give him strength
that you for taking the time to write this update, i have been thinking about you and your family everytime i am on this site. more good vibes your way.
Like most others, my thoughts turn to you and your family when I'm logged into 365. Will continue to pray for healing and comfort. Blessings on your head!
Thanks for the update, Ray. I'm so glad to hear that surgery went well. Praying for quick recovery for your son. It truly is a scary time for your family, but your son is in good hands. My uncle had a heart & double lung transplant 20 years ago. He was expected to only get another few years from it, but he's gotten over 20! Lots of prayers for your family.
Hey Ray, It's wonderful to hear your news and just remember he is in God's Healing Hands now and it's slowly, slowly, no need to rush - just make sure you are all getting rest and taking in food to keep your strength up for when he comes out of this. I am keeping you all in my Nightly Prayers, and I have all my faith in the Lord.
God Bless you all.
Ray! thanks for the update and I will pray too...and every thing will be fine...keep up the hopes and keep up the spirits....May god bless ur son and the whole family
@rayswrld
I will also add your son to my prayer list. Can you tell me his first name? It is not really necessary as God will know who I am praying for but I like to pray for people by their name. If you prefer not to post his first name I understand. God bless.
So glad that you and your family got to this point. We will keep you in our thoughts and hope that the next step will be positive too. Get rest and do something good for yourselves too. It take a great toll on the family and they have to make sure that they stay strong. Trust me, I speak from experience.
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You and your family are in all of our prayers. Chin up!
God Bless you all.
Hang on in there!
I will also add your son to my prayer list. Can you tell me his first name? It is not really necessary as God will know who I am praying for but I like to pray for people by their name. If you prefer not to post his first name I understand. God bless.