Greetings All!
We’ve decided to resurrect the blog and use it as a way to keep folks up to date on what’s going on with my heart transplant journey.
I was admitted to Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville on Wednesday, September 17th to prepare and wait for a new heart.
The floor I’m on (11th) opened May this year and the rooms are more like a luxury resort hotel than a hospital. The 100 inch TV and floor to ceiling glass wall make it much more comfortable than a normal hospital. This will go a long way and making my 2 month minimum stay much more pleasant.
I’ve met about 6 other pre-transplant pts and one guy who is 2 weeks post transplant. We sit and play cards in the afternoon and the nurses come to us to give meds or get blood. We’re quite a sight, everyone has their IV pole and multiple drugs going. The Drs and nurses are extremely accommodating to making us as comfortable as we can be for this long journey. One girl has been here nearly 4 months waiting for a heart.
Medical Details (for those interested):
After two tries at putting a pic line in my arms, they ended up tunneling in through my chest. Very painful.
Next they tried me on what they call “rocket fuel”. Real name, Milrinone. This IV drug is used to increase heart function. Unfortunately, for me, it triggered ventricular tachycardia, worsening heart failure and chest pain. After two days that drug was discontinued. It also caused a lot of my other lab work to go out of whack. They are still trying to sort that out and I’m starting to feel my old self. We’ll keep you updated as things change.
Sun and Sand Travelers 
well I wasn’t done…😂 Not sure how this works but i’ll get the hang of it. I just realized I could use my microphone to dictate this which will make it a lot easier for me. I have an appointment for my ankle tomorrow morning with Dr. Rosen where he will take x-rays to see just what’s going on. Gary is out finishing his job washing Coach off as it was quite dirty when we returned. He washed the Jeep as well this morning so everything is shiny. He’ll be glad to get your blog as am I so that we can keep up with everything! Sending our love along with this! We look forward to your updates. I’m so sorry that medicine wreaked havoc on you. I’m glad you’re starting to feel more like your old self. I’m sure Leonard is the rock that he’s always been but it must be hard on him seeing you in pain this way love you both. Call when you feel like it.
Nancy
Glad you’re home safe and sound!!
Thank you for this vehicle, method for following your progress. Hopefully the Dr’s have resolved the questions surrounding the meds!
It was disarming to hear that another heart transplant candidate has been there for 4 months!
is Leonard staying nearby?
Waiting to hear great news soon, Jean!
Sue and Zooey
Leonard is staying at the Gabriel House of Care which is on the Mayo Campus. It is a guest residence for Transplant pts and their families. Very convenient with a shuttle going back and forth to the hospital.
Hope all gets back on track. Waiting is soooo hard. Hope to stop by to see you on the morning of the 6th
Fran & Mike
The 6th would be great! Have a safe trip down!
Mike and I would like to visit on October 8 if that works for you. Are there any visitor protocols/guidance we should know? Excited to see you soon, Jean!
Oct 8th would be great. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
Appreciate the update today. It’s lonely here with you two gone! Prayers going up each night for you. 💜
Thanks Donna!!
Thanks for the update 🙏🏻❤️💪🏻
Thanks Heather and Tommy.
Getting it just right takes time!
Jean Jean Jeanie Jean Jean! It certainly looks like you are in the right place—for that I am extremely happy for you. Your physical heart may need replacement but your souls heart is forever perfect which brings joy, happiness and love to everyone around you. I will be focusing enormous amounts of positive energy your way all the way through your journey. Thank you so much for opening up and sharing this incredible chapter with us all. Take care and I will be checking in on you frequently.
Matthew John Fields
Thanks so much Matt!!! You always make me smile. Hopefully we will see you sometime soon.
Jean. I will be praying for you and Lenny. And will be checking in on you. Sending Much LOVE!
Thanks Greg!!!
Thinking and praying for you here on the Wet Coast! 🙂 That hospital room is da-bomb!
sawLeonard briefly when he was picking up some stuff in TGO