Surgery & Recovery Updates
APR 6: Traveled to UChicago for testing to determine qualification for heart transplant. Heart's ability to pump is < 20% (normal 50% to 70%).
APR 15: Loss of pulse after heart catheterization.
APR 17: Added to the transplant list.
APR 23: Donor heart identified; transplant scheduled for Apr 24th @ 5:30 PM CST.
APR 24:
4:45 PM: Transported to Pre-op (surgery expected to take 6-10 hours)
6:58 PM: Surgery has officially begun - First incision made. Doctor will update every 2 hrs
9:00 PM: The new heart is being sown in and Sunnie is doing well (per the OR nurse)
11:58 PM: The surgical team has completed the heart surgery and the new heart is beating on its own!!
APR 25:
1:00 AM: In the recovery bay
2:00 AM: Released from recovery and returned to her room, heavily sedated. Breathing tube and other tubes and wires connected
3:30 AM: Sedation momentarily paused to test cognition; test was successful, able to squeeze with both hands, wiggle toes, and respond to questions. Requested pain meds. Will remain sedated for a few more hours.
8:00 AM: Reduced ventilator 50% to ensure she can regulate her breathing. Preparing to remove breathing tube. (wording updated)
9:45 AM: Breathing tube removed! She's communicating and making us laugh already! 2nd goal for today: remove the heart pump machine.
2:00 PM: Groin tube removed! Following that procedure, she has to lie flat for 6 hours.
6:00 PM: Heart pump removed!
APR 26:
5:30 AM: Got out of bed and walked to a chair with the aid of the nurse.
10:00 AM: Physical therapist visited to assist with preliminary exercises. They were ecstatic over her progress and indicated she is doing well.
APR 27
Visited by multiple sets of doctors, surgical team, ICU team, cardiac team, respiratory team - all reporting that recovery is ahead of schedule.
APR 28
Downgraded from ICU to a regular room. Doctors anticipate she will be discharged from the hospital on Friday, May 8th. Once discharged, she will need to live in Chicago for at least 1 year so she can be near her doctors for ongoing support and surveillance.
MAY 1-4
1st Heart Cath and Biospy post transplant; numbers look good and biopsy indicate the new heart is not being rejected. Still on track for May 8th discharge.
MAY 2-4
Walking more and more; able to make 1/4 mile laps around the hospital's 4th floor.
MAY 5
Discharged ahead of schedule! Had 2 educational classes to prepare for discharg.
*All times are CT (Central Time Zone)
