My eight year old grandson, Austin, continues to recover exceptionally well from heart transplant surgery he underwent on December 29th! The doctors continue to say that the donor heart is a perfect match for him.
Austin was extubated on the morning of December 30th. The catheter was removed that day as well. On January 1st, two of three chest tubes were removed. Austin was moved from PICU to the pediatric cardiology ward on January 2nd. The arterial line was removed before Austin was moved from PICU. As he was being transferred, Austin was sitting up in his bed and saying (as best he could), “I’m free!”, “I’m free!”. O2 was taken off the night of January 2nd.
This morning, January 3rd, they removed Austin’s last chest tube. The NJ (feeding) tube will go today as well. The last bacterial infection (C. diff) test results came back negative and Austin is officially out of isolation today. Pacing wires have been capped and will likely be removed tomorrow. I don’t remember the day but the central line in Austin’s neck has been removed as well.
Austin’s blood pressure is high but the doctors expected that the first while after surgery; they are treating it with medication. They think he’s experiencing some withdrawals from the pain medication he’s been on. He still has some pain but it is lessened enough that it is now being treated with tylenol.
If Austin can get eating and mobilized, the doctors are considering releasing him from the hospital on Wednesday, January 9th!
My son-in-law is with the military and has received a two-year compassion posting to our city to assist with Austin’s intense follow-up medical care and therapy as he continues to recover from transplant surgery plus the lingering effects of the stroke he experienced on December 13th. They have found a home to rent for now and will move here on January 31st!
What wonderful news! The young are so resilient. I am in the same province and I think I know which hospital Austin is in – we are so very fortunate in this province to have the facilities, medical personnel, and research that we do. I just think it is amazing that Austin may be able to go home in a week! Even with the work ahead, I’m sure you all will be so happy and relieved to have him home. All my very best to you all.
Amazing progress for Austin! He is a strong little boy to recover so quickly. You all must just be thrilled.
Oh, Julie, what wonderful news! I will continue to praise and pray!!!
Sue C
I’m so glad to read this update. They have made amazing strides in the area of transplantation over the years and all of the benefits of their learning have helped Austin with the surgery and the recovery. There will still be some bumps but I’m optimistic that he will do just fine. God is good. I’m keeping you all in prayer Julie.
xoxo
Joyce
Oh Julie, what wonderful news this is!!! I’m so very happy for sweet Austin and your family!!! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers for continued recovery…hugs and love, Dawn
Oh, Julie, I am so happy to hear all of this. I have been praying really hard for him.
Hugs
G-Ma
Thank you to each of you for your kind, thoughtful and sweet comments.
ekorn, it’s cool that we live in the same province. We truly are fortunate to have the hospital we have, with the brilliant medical professionals employed there – some of the best in the world. I am also very thankful for the technology that is available today and for our medical research facilities. Also very thankful for our health care system.
We are rejoicing for Austin’s recovery and that he will be released from the hospital so soon. It is also a huge blessing, and makes my heart dance with joy, that, as of February 1st, my daughter and her family will live about 10 minutes away, instead of 3 – 3.5 hours. We’ll be close by to help with whatever we can.
I’m a little afraid of the speed bumps Joyce but one thing I’ve learned (am learning) through this experience is that there can be no courage and no strength when there is no peace. It’s not easy to have peace through the difficult times and sometimes I have to keep returning my mind to the fact that God is in control – that He is always in control, no matter what my eyes may be seeing or my heart may be feeling.
Your prayers for Austin’s continued recovery are precious and treasured. Thank you dear friends. ♥
God bless.
Julie
Wonderful news! God bless you and your family!
Thank you Sue.
xoxo