Waiting for a new beat: Goodbye ICU- Hello Silverstein!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Goodbye ICU- Hello Silverstein!

Yesterday, was a big day because dad was moved out of the ICU and into the transition unit on Silverstein. This is the floor where patients are sent to make the transition from hospital to home. This is great news because dad is now one step closer to coming home. It also means that dad is doing extremely well and does not need the constant care of the nurses in the ICU. It was so weird to see dad being moved to his new room without any heart monitors. Before transplants dad always had a heart monitor and a ton of wires all over his chest monitoring his heart beat, but not anymore! Oh, what a great sight to see because we never thought this day would ever come.

On this floor dad will have a lot of PT and OT, which will strengthen his muscles and get him ready to do a lot more on his own. He is up and walking everyday and doing all the daily activities alone (well with guidance from the nurses). He is doing a great job with this new venture in his recovery and he is pushing himself to a whole new level because he is determined to come home and start his new life.

We snapped a few pictures to document this big day for dad. As always he is giving a thumbs up! In his new room he was given a new heart pillow which is awesome because it can be signed by everyone, which is a precious keepsake for dad to remember this new journey.

Dad- All smiles in his new room

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This is a blog dedicated to our amazing father. He is a man who never asks "why." Our dad has suffered from congestive heart failure for 19 years. We have seen many ups and downs with dad's health. There were many months dad lived in the hospital while doctors tried to figure out the best solution for dad and his future. Finally, November 2010, the doctors told us the news we have all wanted to hear for so long. Dad is now on the heart transplant list. It is dad's turn, he is going to receive his "gift." We are all scared about the journey that lies ahead, but we know that it is dad's time to live the life he has always dreamed, with a new heart. May 18, 2011- Dad is moved to a 1a status, top priority. Dad has to live in the hospital until his organs come. His right heart cath numbers were not good. Dad is on higher dosage of his IV meds and in the CICU.

November 9, 2010- Dad received the phone call. He is on the heart transplant list. November 11, 2010- Dad receives a special call. It is his mentor, a man who received a heart in 2009. January 2011- The start of a new year. We are all excited to see what the year has in store for dad's health. January 17, 2011- Dad touches base with his mentor. He receives some good advice to prepare for his new heart. January 25, 2011- Dad is told he is back in heart failure due to fluid. February 24, 2011- Dad has a right heart cath and the numbers are bad. Moved to a status 1b on the list. He will receive his heart very soon. February 24th-March 4th- Dad was in the hospital and received his IV pump medication to go home on while he waits for his heart. March 3, 2011- Dad found out his liver enzymes are high. Placed on "hold" on the transplant list until all is checked out. Dad is scheduled for a liver biopsy and we all have high hopes he will be back on the list very soon. Dad is still in great spirits!! March 28, 2011- Dad got the results of the liver biopsy. Serious signs of liver damage. Doctors decide dad also needs a liver transplant. We are all shocked and trying to accept this news. Dad will have tests and evaluations done and be on the list for both organs in two weeks. April 8, 2011- Dad gets the call that he is back on the transplant list for both organs. Dad is number 7 in the region and has a great blood type. This will happen quick. We are relieved to have dad back on the list. Dad is ready and so are we. April 10, 2011- Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser. It was a great success and we had an awesome turnout. We were all blown away with all the support that was given for dad and our family. May 9,2011- Dad is #5 in the region and #1 at the University of Penn for his transplants. Dad will get his right heart cath again next week and based on the results his status may change to a 1A, which is the top rank for a transplant. We are getting closer! May 24, 2011- Dad receives his 2nd chance at life! Dad got his heart and liver transplant! He is doing great and recovering with each day.