My husband has a broken heart…

We are on a journey to getting a new heart for him.  It is not that simple.  In order for him to get a heart, there are a lot of things that need to happen.  First, you need to be eligible.

Typically, you could be eligible for a heart transplant if you:

-Are younger than 69 years old.

-Have been diagnosed with end-stage heart disease like cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease.

-Have been given a prognosis that suggests you have a risk of mortality within the next year if a heart transplant is not performed.

These things will make it impossible for you to get on the list:

• Active infection
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Cancer
• Kidney or liver disease

The causes of heart failure:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes

The right heart for the right person at the right time!

How long you wait for a donor will depend on his UNOS status, his blood type, and size. It also depends on how long he has been waiting on the list. His donor’s body must be close to his own height and weight.  He is able to wait at home because his IV meds are able to keep him healthy until it is his time for donation.   Hearts can be transplanted only for a short time after being taken from the donor.  We need to stay within 4 hours of our hospital to stay viable.  He needs a cell phone so he can be called right away if a donor’s heart becomes available. While waiting, he needs to keep himself as healthy as possible. He will continue to take his medicine as prescribed. Follow diet recommendations. Stay as active as possible by walking or exercise program approved by his heart doctor.

Organ donation is not easy.  It means a life must end.  Organ donation can save up to eight lives and improve over 75 more.

Please consider organ donation!  Find out about it here.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save