Day 6 Update - Lets all learn about heart transplant This is really information from yesterday in a 90 minute meeting we had with our family and a bunch of doctors, coordinators, etc including Momma Dodd. As weve mentioned, its very, very likely that Jesse will need a heart transplant at some point in the future. Couple things that really surprised me. First was that Momma Dodd said it was a quite safe surgery. Really!!! She said actually one of the easier operations they do with like a 98% success rate and life support measures in place as well. Well OK. The danger period is really in the first few days as his immunity system will most certainly attack the new heart. So they have plenty of measures in place to keep the immunity system knocked down. As long as that process goes fine, he should be in pretty good shape. Typically out of the hospital within 7-10 days of a transplant. Then usually missing 3 months of school to limit opportunities of infection from other kids. There are lesser concerns like long term artery problems and increased risk of some cancers. The other thing that surprised me was the rarity of this little situation. Vanderbilt is one of the busier pediatric heart transplant centers in the country. They do 10-15 pediatric heart transplants per year! Thats it. So Jesse is a one of a kind boy! Thats for sure. The rest of the transplant process is pretty fascinating. The heart has to come from somewhere within 4 hrs. As far away as Denver. Usually coming from someone on life support. But Vandy actually typically flies a surgical team to that hospital to extract the heart. They get the fastest jets available, typically a learjet. Then fly back as quickly as possible with the goal of having a new heart in Jesse within 4 hrs. Amy and I feel really at peace about this option and are beginning the process of getting approved to be on the transplant list. Its unclear though if he will end up on the list now or if it will be later. But were getting prepared. Everyone is in great spirits. Jesse feels good. Having lots of wonderful moments among the challenges. Should have a clearer timeline next week but should be here at least another week. Thanks again for all the prayers, love and support!
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 20:06:05 +0000
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