To subscribe to this blog, enter email below:
Today was a good day – Zayne went into her 3rd open heart surgery in 3 days.
- The ECMO cannulas were removed from her heart,
- Pulmonary artery did not need to be repaired
- Chest has been closed
The transplant surgeon built the operating hat and gown for a stuffy (she had time while waiting for the OR to get setup prior to transplant). There are even a couple of tasteful blood spots (not seen in image).
Zayne is heavily sedated from today’s surgery. There won’t be any pictures of her until she is fully awake. Today, the docs started to raise her body temperature. Since she is no longer on ECMO where her oxygenated blood was cooled before going back to her body, her body temperature should go back to normal.
What is next? Her heart and body have had a big shock due to transplant and the hemorrhage. The resulting surgery and ECMO cannula placement has added additional trauma. As her body heals, the new heart will begin to become stronger. We’ll need to see if the new heart will support her when she wakes up. Right now it is working fine with the help of medications. While I was writing this, she moved her head and opened her eyes. I tried to comfort her, but don’t think she understands. I asked if she could see me, and she nodded “no”.
It may take a while for the new heart to properly pace itself. Right now a pacemaker is setting the pace. Zayne is still intubated and will probably stay on the vent for a few days. We go day-by-day and celebrate each milestone.
***** Breathing Tube is OUT *****
taken out at 1am on May Day
Here’s to hoping the road to recovery smooths out soon. Keeping you all in my thoughts and sending well wishes from the east coast.
Happy May Day – that Zayne is breathing on her own!! Sending healing vibes for all the rest… In just a few days, May the 4th be with her too. 😉
There is a Star Wars party at the family center tomorrow. I didn’t realize it was for May 4th. I will go to snag pizza.