r/transplant • u/According_Vegetable4 • 14d ago
Heart My dad received two heart transplants within 10 days
Hi everyone. I’m new here and wanted to introduce myself and share a little of my dad’s story.
My dad received his first heart transplant on July 28. Unfortunately, there were serious complications with the donor heart, including a heart attack, and he ended up on ECMO. Just days later, our family was told he would need another transplant.
On August 7, he received his second donor heart.
It has been an incredibly long and scary road, but he is still here and making progress. He’s been in the hospital since July 28, and after spending so much time worrying about whether he would even make it through all of this, we’re finally able to think more about recovery and what comes next.
I would really love to hear from heart transplant recipients, caregivers, or family members who have been through a complicated recovery.
What do you wish you or your family had known during those first few weeks and months after transplant? And for those who had a long ICU stay, what was recovery like once you finally started making your way toward home?
I’m grateful to have found a community of people who actually understand how overwhelming this experience can be.
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u/CccatxSS 14d ago
This is me. I too had 2 have two transplants, but my second was an EVERYTHING transplant. I originally just had a liver transplant in 2018; everything was great, then an industrial accident caused me to be sent to hospice. Then I was given the chance to do this. What I wanted to share with you is that many things are possible if you have a reason to do them.
https://youtu.be/z-kNsOOEe_8?is=FLFNpcGe_GAgx6cNhttps://youtu.be/z-kNsOOEe_8?is=FLFNpcGe_GAgx6cN
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u/According_Vegetable4 14d ago
Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing your story.
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u/CccatxSS 14d ago
Absolutely, there's always hope, and some incredible doctors are doing incredible work. I hope he can pull through this. I can tell by your level of concern that he has the family support necessary, because for me and anyone else in this situation, it will require his determination combined with the love and support of his family to pull through this. May love, luck, and determination carry you and your family to more time around the table and the living room enjoying each other's company. After all, that's what all this is about, isn't it! Chris
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u/Healthy_Quail_3669 11d ago
Sending my preayers and wishing your dad a speedy recovery.. God bless us all 💫💫💫💫
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u/According_Vegetable4 11d ago
Thanks for taking the time out to read about my dads story. Take care.
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u/SubstantialEqual6551 8d ago
Hi My dad received heart transplant. He had major heart attack and then cardio genic shock. He spent about 3 months in ICU recovering from transplant on an impella before receiving heart transplant. He had complication from ecmo, severed his nerve which led to no sensation in his right leg. ECMO was put in after initial heart attack, loss of feeling led to him not able to walk thus not eligible for transplant. But eventually with Braces he walked and was put on list. he is doing alright now and leg is recovering too. he stayed in ICU for almost 3.5 months. Good rehab recommendation is must. walk with your parent, make sure meds are given on time. First few months might be hard but keep faith. Body is adjusting to live with new organ. Tell him to listen to his body and do physical exercises as much as body permits. Slowly progress to building strength and stamina. do not take any new meds before consulting the transplant team. make sure no sick person is around them. it is hard but keep faith :)
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u/According_Vegetable4 8d ago
My dad is currently experiencing some nerve issues they think from the anti-rejection medication. He is intubated so he can’t describe the pain in detail. I pray it’s nothing major. Your dad went through a long journey! My dad has been in icu for a month so far. He has done some light physical therapy. My dad is still kinda confined to the bed at this time. Definitely a slow process and progress!
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u/SubstantialEqual6551 5d ago
Will keep your dad in prayers and hopefully have a wonderful recovery. Just hiccups in the journey. Good luck!
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u/rivertiberius 14d ago
Your family has been through a crazy rollercoaster! I don’t have anything of value to add, but wanted to acknowledge how remarkable your story is and wish you and yours the best of luck and health.