Lub-Dub Lub-Dub

 A normal resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. If you listen to a heart it often is describe as if saying Lub-Dub Lub-Dub. Mike's heart rate is between 120-140. 

If he laughs hard (which is often), gets agitated, or someones gets him on his favortie topic of finace it starts to soar about 140+. Every once in a while it will peak up to 180 when he gets into V Tach and it skips a few beats. The nurses watch him carefully as he walks on the treadmill and talks away or while he is working, and sometimes they have to shut him down for a bit. Except for some weight and muscle loss Mike's body and mind are in good working condition, but his heart is just failing him. 

I had previously reported that on August 7th Mike recieved the Impella Pump to support the left side of his heart. Since then the left side has significantly decreased in function and is almost not moving at all on its own. Over the past few weeks they have been watching the right side of heart and seeing decline as well. On September 2nd Mike went in and had a second Impella Pump placed in the right side of his heart, the RP Flex. Now that both sides of his heart are being supported he is offically at a level 1 on the Unos Heart Transplant List. It is not great to be so sick, but we are rejoicing at the opportunity to be at the top of the list and praying for a new heart very soon. 

Since he has two pumps working right now his blood pressure is pretty much non existent. They placed an art line which is inserted into an artery to monitor blood pressure and obtain blood samples. This helps him sleep a little better because the nurses can sneak in and get vitals easier. The new pump though has some down sides. It is placed in his neck and the cord is right by his ear. This allows him to hear a consant motor/computer sound and is a little unnerving. He keeps himself busy and also wears an earplug to help lessen the sound. 

All of Mike's nurses have been amazing, but he just got off a 4 day stretch with Andy. Andy goes above and beyond his normal nursing duties. He has truly helped Mike and myself cope with the changes, get through difficult moments, visualize the next steps, and prepare for a new heart. I won't lie, a few tears were shed from both us when we said goodbye last night. He set up Mike with his two pumps on one cart so Mike could still walk the halls and get around easier. Andy knows that Mike needs to move his body and see people. All of Mike's nurses have helped to talk about the next steps and have checked in to see how he is doing both mentally and physically...we are so beyond blessed with his care team! 

Check out Andy's handy work and Mike's first trip around the unit after his second pump!