Austin’s new heart is in and working well! When the surgeons went in to operate, they discovered that there hadn’t actually been enough room in Austin’s chest for the LVAD and the device had fused to Austin’s left lung. They had some difficulty stopping the bleeding when they removed it and kept Austin in the OR some extra time until the bleeding was under control.
Austin’s teenage siblings have been at the hospital today, along with several other family members. I’ve been home with the two younger siblings and it’s been a long day waiting for my daughter’s phone call. I know it’s been a long day for all of the family and friends of the family as well, no matter where they are, and I am so thankful that this gigantic step of Austin’s recovery is complete.
My daughter took this picture as Austin was being taken to PICU from the OR about 35 minutes ago (approximately 6:30 p.m.).
Your continued prayers for Austin’s full recovery are appreciated so much more than I have words to adequately express. ♥
Oh sweet Julie…I am keeping your precious Austin in my thoughts and prayers dear girl ~ the most wonderful thing of all? Your baby is young and so easily adaptable! Sending you tons of hugs and love and especially prayers to the Lord above, Dawn
So happy to hear the new heart is working well for Austin.
I hope you are able to sleep and have some less stressful days.
So happy to hear the operation went well. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Such good news! When you can, please tell Austin that I think he is a super hero. I’m looking forward to seeing a new picture of that great smile of his.
Thank you Dawn, Julie, Theresly and ekorn!
During rounds this morning, the doctors told said that everything is going as perfectly as it possibly can be for Austin. The precious gift heart began to beat right from the start and hasn’t skipped a beat. They have lead wires attached but they haven’t had to use them. They did an ECHO and results are very good. Other than running a fever this morning, Austin’s numbers are all where they want them to be. They’ve done blood work and there doesn’t appear to be any infection; they are treating the fever with tylenol. Bleeding is minimal, less than when he was on the LVAD. They are planning to keep Austin sedated today but are talking about weaning him from one of the sedatives this evening because he is doing so well and they may extubate as early as late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
And – my daughter and her husband are blessed with the opportunity to write a letter of gratitude to the donor family!
ekorn, I will indeed tell Austin that you think he is a super hero. 🙂 I too am looking forward to seeing his great smile and I will post a picture as soon as possible.
Thank you to each of you wonderful people (those who leave comments and those who don’t) for your continued prayers and kind thoughts. Tons of love, hugs and blessings to all.
Julie
I was so happy and relieved to read this follow-up when I got home from church. The prayers will continue, for Austin and for you and the rest of the family. Waiting is so hard. Little ones are resilient, and of course there is all the love that surrounds him. Xoxo
Joyce
Thank you Joyce. xoxo
Julie
Praise our Lord! His hand is on Austin every step of the way! I will continue to pray for Austin and for all of you.
In His love,
Sue
I just found your website, so don’t know you yet, but I certainly wish Austin and all of you the very best. He looks like a boy with an incredible spirit, loved the picture with the caption “I love God”. How precious.
Thank you Sue and Jamie. ♥
Austin continues to improve! He was extubated at 8:00 a.m. yesterday. He has been experiencing some pain from the chest tubes but two of the three were removed today. His catheter was removed yesterday and they may remove the central line from his neck today.