Sunday, 28

I thought I was coming down with something earlier today so I stayed in bed. Slept a good bit which I needed. I woke up this afternoon feeling better. I think it's the meds. I have to take quite a few a few times a day. and it can be tough on the gut. However today wasn't a bad day. My brother Gregg, (love you,man!) was playing rock band below me for a while today. The closest thing to a live show I've been at in a while "YOU ROCK, DUDE!" He also located Neil Peart's e mail address or something and wrote him...well, something...I'm not sure what. But how cool is that? (OK, those of you not knowing who Neil is. I won't tell you. Those who do, then you know why.) (Maria Lemmo, this means YOU!)
All in all, today was a good day. I'm feeling alot better after eating some stew. That just goes to show you how my days can start one way and end completely turned around. So, on that note I'll say good night. Thanks to all of you sending comments and emails keeping me going. It means more than you'd think.
Later on,
~R

Work on the building THANKS!!!!!

Hey all, feeling so much better today. Goodnight sleep for once. It was a very productive day for a few guys I know.
Thanks to all the fellas for working on the building. John, Gregg, Tom, Paulette and Dad. Having fun with the jack hammer and running electric. Thank you Bev for making all the food for the workers. They loved it. So many people doing so many things. Thank Terry & Dave for watching our house and staying with our kitties. We miss them. Play with the laser thing and you got a three friends for life. Thanks Bob for keeping us Plowed out. I know you're having fun. Did we really get 2 feet? You're kidding right?......RIGHT?! We'll need it plowed daily if this keeps up. (For those of you wondering just how much snow we have I asked to have a pic sent. So I'll post it when I can. ) Oh HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! He's working on his birthday and a saturday for us. We feel special. I have so many people to thank I just tried to get everyone that's here and at home today. There's many more. Thanks for all the cards and letters (Linda's was the funniest so far.) and there are some good ones. If yer looking at cards, you gotta go stupid, sick and funny right here. Dorcas and I feel so fortunate to have so many of you all over the place doing everything you can. We love you. Dorcas wants to thank those who stayed closed to her when she was spending every night in Pittsburgh. (Angela and Priscilla, Mom n Paulette) What can I say girls? We are blessed with you. Ok Ok I need to just get the Thank you cards out and hit the HUGE list. It'll take a while. Just know you're all so very appreciated. Gregg, I love ya man. (He was the lucky one who got to run the jackhammer all day.) He'll be passin' out soon, methinks.
As well as I. I've been getting some sleep lately and loving it.
Thanks to all of you for keeping up with the blog. I'll keep posting if you keep reading.
Goodnight

Friday, 26

Today was a busy day for me. Trip to the Doc's. (Bursch) and a few other places. I have to say it wiped me out. Been chasing that rib pain most of the day. However I ended the evening on a great note. Paulette made me a vest to help distribute all the portable equipment I always have to have with me when I'm moving about and leaving the house. I'll describe it later but it has freed me up so much. It took away anxieties I was having about toting and protecting this equipment (which weighs about ten lbs.) It doesn't sound like much but when you have to carry it constantly and with every step it wears me out pretty fast. I'm sure you parents know how tired you can get holding your infants all day. But my equipment (two batteries and a "system controller") hasn't thrown up on me yet. My spirits are high. Just got off the phone with Eddie and had some laughs. My Uncle Bill, who had a stoke recently is showing signs of improvement. And who doesn't love all this snow.
(the sarcastic end, beautiful.) And I'm sure I'll sleep good tonight. Drive safe and tip your waitress.
~R

Sleep

Many of you know I've had some sleep problems for years. But since all this happened It's been hard to get any real sleep. I'm not used to sleeping on my back and I've had to for weeks. The good news is my chest is healing and I can almost turn on my side. (You don't know how great that feels)
That's what recovery has been like. Alot of healing and work to get back something I'd taken for granted. And there were so many things I took for granted. A harsh way to learn but I consider that a plus in the entire situation.
A great second chance was given to me and it is impossible to ignore. I draw alot of strength from that. Many of the things in my life that have changed, were supposed to. Coming out on the other side of this has shown me more about about myself than I ever knew.
Thanks again to EVERYBODY that's been helping out. So many of you. I feel I'm getting a little stronger everyday and will be able to start seeing some of you.
Many of you ask what you can do to help me out, and I appreciate that. But honestly It's Paulette, Tom (who let me recover at their place.)and especially My wife D that I want helped. They been tirelessly tending to me and I want them stress free and comfortable. Like the other day, My friend Brynn (Massage therapist/healer/good egg came down and worked on D's stress points and made a HUGE difference for her. So if you can think of anything nice to do for them I'd appreciate it. Helping them would be helping me.
It's 5:22am and I'm wide awake. (This never seems to post the right time for some reason) So I think I'll get up and try some leg training. I'll post again soon. Thanks everybody!
~R

Answered Kim's Question

In my last post a good friend, Kim, asked a question about the onset and actual heart attack. Please read the post in reply to her question. Please, if anyone has any questions about my experiences in the past 3 weeks do not hesitate to ask. One of the main reasons to continue this blog is doing just that, answering questions you may have.
Here's a you tube video that will show you exactly what was "installed" in my heart. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gA7_oJruzQ It's computer graphic so no "Live Operation Images". I still haven't gotten up the chops to watch those yet. But I'm sure my curiosity will lead me there soon enough.
I'm feeling rather good tonight. a complete turn-around from this morning, lemme tell ya.
Thanks all,
Much Love,
~R

Tuesday, 23rd

Went to see my Primary care physician today, Dr. Bursch. He's been my PCP for about 15 yrs. (the man is awesome.) I was weaker than I'd ever been since I'd been home. And it had to do with fluid levels. He doubled my Lasix treatments (Water meds basically) and that did the trick. I felt so much better after I woke up a little while ago. That's how some days just are. a mix of good n bad. strength and weakness. I take so many pills a day and some of them need adjusted often to balance me out right. (which is why they draw blood every couple days.) I remain optimistic that soon I'll be stable for greater periods of time.

The goal is to get on the transplant list and get a new ticker. This can take months. It can take years. I'm fortunate I have common blood and tissue types. First things first. Recover. Which I'm doing very well at my sis Paulette's (she's been busting her ass.) It's great to be around my family at this time. VERY Powerful energy lemme tell ya. I'm hoping I can start seeing friends soon. But I have to take everything slow. I guess the hardest part to any visit is getting me to shut up. (I talked to Rat today and he agrees, thanks pal.) But it just feels so good to hear everyone. Make sure you email me any info. on how to get in touch with you so I can touch base with you.

I miss playing my drum set. And that's another goal I WILL ACHIEVE. I gotta jam with my brothers (Ed & Johnny) like now!
I have a lot to work up to. But a lot to work for.

Time for chow. Will post again later tonight or tomorrow.
~R

Taking Over

Hello all. This IS Richard. Thank you for following the blog and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. As many of you know, I was discharged from AGH early Saturday afternoon and arrived at my sister's house shortly afterward. Coming home and seeing my family and friends was a tremendous experience and seemed to triple my strength. I wanted to let you faithful readers know that I will be posting from this point. (So, I'd expect a slight change in what you may be used to.) I plan to chronicle my recovery up to and beyond my transplant surgery and everything in between. It may get pretty crazy and as most of you know, I do crazy. I hope we can laugh together here as well as forum. I'll try to post everyday with progress, thoughts & emotions. Please feel free to comment on ANYTHING. Ask questions, whatever.
Keep an eye out for me.
Thanks,
~R

Sat 5:30 PM

Hi,
just wanted to give you a quick update... We got Richard home today around 3:35 PM.
Happy to be home and get to see some family. He says that he will start doing the blog tomorrow.. guess it will depend on his strength...
Enjoy your weekend with your family!

Saturday 1:00 PM

Hi,
We are still here.. things are moving along. The post op drain (FINALLY TAKEN OUT - this helped to reduce his pain by A LOT!! per Rich) was taken out, the IV taken out, the new ICD was tested, and we took our excursion through the hospital. We are waiting for the pic to come out and get our walking papers!

Our excursion was to the gift shop on the first floor, to the cafeteria on the second floor and then back to the fifth floor. Good thing we had a wheel chair, because this was a lot of activity compared to the last 15 days...

We should be leaving soon and will update you again tonight.

Sat 20th 6:45 AM

Good morning all,
We all sleep good knowing today would bring us home. We are up, packed and just waiting to do the things that are necessary before we can leave.

Rich is still very weak and will need a lot of rest when he gets home.. to Paulette & Tom's. Rich will be checking his emails once we get home, so please email him at rdavid330@gmail.com. Please do not forward him mail, just send him a message directly. Please add your phone number because he would like to reach out to you directly on days he feels up to talking. He can also "schedule" some time that you can stop in and visit with him.
Thanks everyone who read, commented and wished us well while we were here. I read your comments and messages to him at night, which really picked up his spirits. Please continue to pray as we continue down our new path. Will post later tonight after we get home and situated.

Friday evening

Hi All,
We just spoke to the nurse and she has our discharge paperwork for tomorrow! We have a few things to accomplish before we can leave: A check on the new ICD, an hour excursion away from our floor, take out a few things from Rich (pic line) and of course paperwork...
So it will be 15 days since we left our house and started down this path. Needless to say, we are so ready to be home with our families and eating good food!

Thanks for following our journey and Rich will begin to post his thoughts on this same blog soon.
Good night,

Friday 3:30 PM

Rich is out of surgery and back in his room! He is very medicated and should be out for a few hours. He is hungry, wants to eat now, and has to wait until 8 PM so I am hoping he will sleep through most of this time.... Still planning to go home tomorrow if the next 12 to 24 hours are good.

Friday 10 AM

Just a quick update... For no medical reasons.. Rich needs to wait until this afternoon for his surgery, will let you know when he comes out. He is feeling very confident that this is the way to go. Talk to you later

Thursday night 9 :30 PM

First, Thanks to those who attend the HeartMate II lesson!! You guys rock!!
However, Richard's home arrival date has been pushed back a day (at least). We are, by choice, having a small internal defibrillator installed in Rich's chest. This will add more protection(from a strong, damaging arrhythmia) for him while he is at home and waiting on a heart transplant. We are very confident in the decision, instrument and surgeon. As always, we will give you an update tomorrow as soon as the surgery is over. They are telling us they will be in first thing in the morning to talk to us again.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and keeping us in your thoughts. Rich will be home and he'll see you soon.

Thursday 5:00pm

Quick update for those of you that keep a close watch on Richard and what is going on...

Richard is still in ICU but that is due to the fact there is no room for him upstairs. He is very bored and tired! He has had a full day today and we're all thankful that things went well.
They have regulated his heart via of shocking it but the plans remain for him to go home tomorrow.

We want to "thank" everyone that showed up for the training class and know that you all will do a great job keeping Richard's best interest at heart. I'm sure you will feel much more confident after just one day with Rich!

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Thursday 11:45 AM

Just left Richard, his proceed went well! His heart rate was at 170 this morning and now they have it between 60 to 65, which is GOOD. They will watch him for the next 24 hours or so.. He is just wanting to go back to a normal room with a TV vs. being in the ICU...
Back to you later...

USA TODAY

Check out the article from the USA today this week on the HealthMate II
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-16-heartdevices16_ST_N.htm

Thursday, Feb 18th morning

Good morning all,
this morning Richard called me about 5:30 AM to let me know that he was going in for an off scheduled activity. The electric flow in his heart is very high and through the night they tried to bring it back into a normal range with medicine. He has been moved to the ICU to get his electricity converted back to normal. He will be put out for this process and won't feel anything. He is not in pain, just uncomfortable.

We have found out from the team, that this is quite normal within a week of a person having a heart attack. We are still shooting to go home soon. Potentially Friday, but more than likely Saturday or Sunday.

He continues to keep his spirts up, and telling me to make sure the Physcial Theripists get their equipment back that they loaned him to use... He told me that he is longing to make the trip home and be able to look out the window and see the world once again. I just left the ICU and they were preparing him for this process... Keep us in your prayers once again today!

Wednesday evening 7 PM

Just a quick note... Rich had a full day of a lot of walking and visitors. He is worn out from all the walking and physical therapy, but feeling stronger each day.

Tomorrow, our Caregivers (family and friends) will be coming to the hospital for a training class on his HealthMate II. This is a requirement for us to pass before he can go home. He will also be required to take an hour excursion, normally away from the hospital. Depending on the weather, it might just be to the cafeteria.

By the way, Duke (COO) has stopped by to see us three times now... Thanks Margie for the extra support!
Good night all...

Wanted to let everyone know that we did get the USA Today article. ... Read it if you get a chance it is very educational.

Feb 17th noon

Another good day of walking and building up Richard's strength. Reports still good on Richard's progress.. In fact, the Cardiac Team and others have recognized him as one of the fasted to recover from this type of surgery. Major focus now is getting strong enough to go home. Target to go home is still Friday as long as we can get the last drainage pump out. It has slowed down today, so that is looking good too.

Dr. Bailey said yesterday, that Richard is the poster child for the HealthMate II. Everyone that comes in to work with him reports back to the team that he is learning fast, understands, and a pleasure to work with... this is no surprise to us that know him... right? Dr. Murali came in today for the first time since his surgery and was very happy with the progress. He has asked Richard to come back at the end of March to talk to a group of doctors that will be here from other hospitals to learn more about the HealthMate II. God is working... keep praying.. Also, if you have the USA Today from yesterday, Tuesday, there was an article about this hospital and the HealthMate II. We are trying to locate one of these... Until later, enjoy your day!

Feb 16th 4 PM

Rich is still looking and feeling good.

They continue to d-line Richard and he no longer receives any meds via IV. He has one (1) drainage tube to be removed and he'll be free from a lot of tie-downs! The ones left are ones that Rich is very thankful for...they are his life support. He just receives one good report after another and that is music to our ears!

He, also, wants everyone reading these blogs to know he appreciates your love, support, and prayers. Don't stop now!

His best news is that he will be going home Friday 19th and that is nothing short of a miracle.

On Friday, we will be moving into Paulette and Tom's house until the apartment is ready for us to move into. They own a building a few yards from their house in Latrobe that is being fixed up for us. Many of you have volunteered to help with the renovations. Please call Pautlette at 724-321-5584 and she can let you know what is needed and when we could use help. We can use laborors, tools, trucks for moving and food for the helpers.

Also, we are looking to borrow a stationary bike and a treadmill for a few months. If you have one or both of these and will let us borrow them, you can call Paullete with this information. For those good cooks out there... we are looking for heart healthy recipes that you have used and know they are good. We will need to be eating much differently from now on.... Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Tuesday morning

Good morning all,
There are some of you that have told us that you wanted to visit Richard when there was an opening. We do have this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon open. The visiting hours are from 1 PM to 8 PM. He is in 565, get on the E elevators in the main hospital, go to the fifth floor and turn left off of the elevator.

I am on my way in to see Rich and will give you an update on his progress later today.
Thanks for your continued prayers that have gotten us to this point.

Feb. 15th

Monday 15th, February

Update on Rich.

This has been a very good day BUT an extremely busy one. When we arrived at Rich's room early this morning we found him in a very good mood. He had a good night's sleep and even eaten some of his breakfast. That was the beginning of his busy day. The doctors, nurses and rehab personnel have kept Rich and us all busy. The doctor said his goal is to d-line Rich as quickly as possible and begin getting him ready to go home. (which involves a lot) By d-line he means to remove all of Rich's tubes etc, except his "lifeline" one at a time. They removed one or two (?) yesterday, another one today and tomorrow there should able to remove two more. The rehab department didn't give him much time for rest so he probably will sleep well tonight! They brought in the machines that he will go home with and had him begin connecting his life line that will become a BIG part of his life from now until he receives a transplant. We were sooooo pleased that we all had been working on his/our homework and he was ready. He did an excellent job! I'm sure tomorrow will be just as busy a day.

I know we had promised to list his phone number on one of these blogs but with the good news that he will be going home much sooner than anticipated and knowing that his days will be extremely busy we will not be doing that. For that we apologize as I'm sure many of you wanted to call Rich but I'm sure you feel the same way we do. We are anxious to please his entire team and if they are going to promise an earlier release then we are going to do all we can to make that happen. We are thrilled to report that nurses, his rehab leader and one of his doctors have told us that we are far ahead of the curve than any other patient in preparation for him being able to leave...they are impressed! We have one hurdle left and for that we ask for your prayers.

This Thursday there will be a class for the care givers and it will be very important. It will prove to Rich's team that not only Rich is ready to go home but those involved in his extended care are ready also.

Keep praying and we thank you for the prayers he has been receiving.

Monday 15th February

9:30am



We are waiting for the doctor to see what he has to say to us today.

We continue to study the books on Rich's care and ask every nurse that walks through the door questions to be sure we are are grasping what we're reading. Just have to be sure! They probably will be glad when we go home but they are very garcious and answer every question and try to assure us they understand why we have so many questions. The care has been and continues to be "great". They tell us over and over that they are here for the patient and family and want everyone to feel comfortable and having answers is just another way to accomplish that!

We were thrilled when we walked in today as Rich shared with us that he slept great last night and that finally his food taste like food! That means he is beginning to eat, which means that his strength will be improving, which means going homes comes a bit closer.

14th, 2010 Happy Valentine's Day!! I am happy to have my sweetheart with me on this day. I couldn't ask for more! Today, Rich had one drainage tube taken out, only two more to go. We are down to two IVs and they should be out by tomorrow sometime. Dr. Benza stopped in to see us, he is ahead of the transplant team and part of the current team of doctors caring for Rich. He wants him up and moving as much as possible. He said that Rich might be able to go home by the end of the week!!! We all will need training on his HealthMate II and be able to pass some tests before he will be released. We should know our training date tomorrow. In the meantime, we are studying the books that they have given to us.

Some of you have ask me to give you an update on how I am doing... I am doing amazingly well. God is giving me a lot of strength and I have had a great support group around me and with me everyday. My work has sent me a care package that has a little of everything to make me comfortable and keep me busy. THANKS to all at DNP for the nice gift!

A lot of you are asking what you can do to help support us. We will be moving into Tom & Paulette's building. There is some work that needs done before we can move in. If you can build walls, paint, or even make some meals for the workers that would be great!! You can contact them directly if you are available to help. For those of you who live far away, we will be holding fund raising events in the near future and will keep you informed.

Enjoy your loved ones around you on this day and don't take them for granted.

Saturday... Let's get moving

Today was a big day to get out of bed, walked around two times. Also sitting in a chair, but found it very difficult to get out of the chair. All of that and Rich was worn out and ready to sleep. Later in the day, he visited with Gena and his father. Everything he does is still an effort for him... but his attitude remains very positive. He is determined to listen and do what the doctors and nurses ask him to do.
Sunday he is planning on a day of rest..... Please let us know your plans to visit, so we can fit you in and still give him the opportunity to rest.
Thanks for your continued prayers....

Moved to My own Room!

Today around 3:30 PM, Richard was moved to his own room in the CC unit. This is a big step and his surgeon, Dr. Bailey said his progress is moving quickly. We know, that is due to all of your prayers. He does have a phone, but he has asked to hold off on the calls until he has gotten some of his strength back. He is sleeping now and all of the activities of today have worn him out. Once he is up for some calls, we will list his number here for you. Until then, you can send him cards. Visiting hours for this area are 1:00PM to 8:00PM, limited two per visit. If you are thinking about coming in to visit, please let me know so we can coordinate a time for you to see him.
Thanks for your prayers, please continue to pray to get us home soon...

What can happen in a week!

Today brings us to one week that I rushed Richard to Latrobe Hospital, then we took an ambulance ride to Westmoreland Hospital and later in the week a helicopter ride to Allegheny General. To say the least it has been a very busy, crazy, and shocking week!

I have always had faith, but this has reminded me just how much God does care about us and loves us. Only through all of your prayers, have we made it this far. Thank you

This morning, Rich is just being his funny self. They are taking most of the tubes and IVs out of him. They told him that the plan is to move him to a regular room in the Coronary Care Unit on the fifth floor later today. We even have his room number 565 (1). Many of your have been wanting to sent cards and now is the time that he will be able to read and enjoy them.
Allegheny General Hospital
320 East North Avenue
Coronary Care Unit Room 565 (1)
Richard David
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

I was just in there again and he was sitting up in a chair for the first time, what a sight to see him out of bed! He will still have limited visiting and need rest to regain his strength. He should have a phone and we will post his number when it is available later today.

night night..

Richie's 8 PM visit was extremely positive. He was joking around, getting back to the guy we know and love. He is now working on breathing treatments to make sure his lungs remain clear. We are hoping that tomorrow brings him getting out of bed for the first time in seven / eight days. His biggest complaint is that he is thirsty, but he is on limited liquid intake. His liquid inputs and outputs are being carefully monitored. Of course he had some good questions for the nurse (April) "Am I going to get mechanical heartburn?" If he is good tomorrow, he might be moved into a cubical where he will be able to get more rest. Of course this is still in the SICU unit.. Good night to all....

He's Awake!

Miraculous! As we had hoped, Rich was conscious and able to talk to us during the 2pm visit... He said to Dorcas, "This was a breeze... I'm good, let's get outta here." He is feeling a little restless and would really like to sit up and have some water but unfortunately, his nurse Scott said not for a few more hours. Rich thinks Scott "is just pissed at me."

Rich needs more rest and monitoring for the next several hours. Hopefully the uncomfortable Swan Catheter in his neck will be removed, and the doses of medicines are slowly being tapered down. He might even be able to sit up if there is no bleeding in the next few hours.

Dorcas and Richard just met the COO of the hospital, Duke Rupert. He was sent to check in on Rich by some of our friends and their family. He is a nice guy and ask Richard if there was anything that they could be doing for him that they aren't. He will be checking in with us during our stay.

Rich is looking at possibly being moved from the SICU to a room of his own by tomorrow.

Feb 11 2010

Yesterday, Richard under went open heart surgery and was given a Helathmate II system. He went in surgery around 10 AM and was completed around 2 PM. Doctor Baily said that he was a good candidate for this and he was doing well. They left his heart open to watch for any complications and monitor blood loss and oozing. Richard received only 2 units of blood afterward which was much less than normal for this type of surgery.



Thursday, February 11th 6am, Doctor Bailey felt confident in closing Richard's chest. His temperature increased slightly but was easily maintained with normal medicines. No cause for alarm. His vital signs have been monitored constantly by his attending nurses, with all levels being normal and expected. The Nurses in the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) have been exceptional and vigil in their care of Richard, and patient with the family and their on-going, continuous questions.



As of our 10am visit, Richards color looks great he even seems to want to respond when hearing the voices of his family. We tell him how proud of him we are, how well he is doing and how much we love him.



Now that the HeartMate II is in place and functioning properly, Doctors plan to remove his breathing tube and balloon pump, making it easier for him to talk when he is awake.



We look forward to our 2pm visit where we are hopeful that he will be awake and able see and speak to us



Thank you all for your continued thoughts and Prayers. We still have a long road to travel with regard to Richard's recovery and future steps to consider, so please keep them coming!!!!

Dear Friends of Rich and Dorcas...

Dear friends of Richard and Dorcas… To better update everyone on the health issues concerning Richard, we are forming a blog group. So many of you care enough to want to know, and pray, that this is a way to keep everyone informed of first-hand details in a timely manner. Please feel free to give this URL address to other family and friends of Rich and Dorcas.

For those who have not yet heard, Friday, February 5th Richard suffered severe chest pains and was taken to Westmoreland Hospital. Doctors suspected he had suffered a heart attack. A catheterization revealed his heart was badly damaged, and his arteries were clogged. Doctors gave him medicines to correct the damage to his heart, and gave him oxygen and blood thinners to increase the oxygen levels throughout his body.
Doctors estimated Richard’s heart health at 15 (60 being a healthy heart) Richard received a cardio balloon pump to assist his weakened heart. Doctors were able to clear some of the plaque in his arteries, which helped improve his circulation.

Sunday, morning, his vitals were looking good, and oxygen levels were up. Then about 1:30 he had a ventricular fibrillation and Doctors were able to bring him back with medication, he was conscious and speaking through the entire process.

Monday, Richard was Life Flighted down to Allegheny General Hospital. With another assessment of his heart rated him at a 10 (less then 25% function)

Tuesday, Doctors have decided to proceed with open heart surgery and placing a Heartmate II LVAS, which will take over most of the heart functions and help bridge the time for his transplant. This surgery has an 85% success rate.

We are feeling very positive in the road to recovery that is in front of us. Please keep Richard in your prayers.