Prayers for my Brothers

I need your help!!  PRAYERS......

When I had surgery in May, I never imagined getting to meet some of God's most amazing miracles.  I have had the pleasure of becoming part of a wonderful group on Face Book called the LVAD Friends.  There are about 50 of us and we are growing strong.  We all ask questions, talk about everyday life, and most importantly, we all pray for each other!

There are two people I would like all of you to say prayers for.  Chris Lockhart and Brandon Butcher.  Both of them are in critical condition, and need God's healing hand!

Brandon has an LVAD and is in the hospital.  Unfortunately the right side of his heart is suffering and his liver is failing.  The Dr's have told him, "IF he goes home, he will have several very INTENSE months".  There is much more to his story, but these are the latest things, and he needs OUR prayers.

I met Chris when he was in the hospital in June.  He is 38, and has suffered from Heart Failure for 10 years.  With much hesitation, he had an LVAD put in about 3 weeks ago, and had a follow-up this week.  They kept him in the hospital because apparently his pump has been "striking".  They are running test, but may have to replace the pump.... That means he will have to go through a second open heart surgery.  I CAN NOT imagine what that pain must feel like.  The first one is horrible, I certainly wouldn't want to have a second one...3 weeks later!!

Please lift Chris and Brandon up in your prayers!!!  I will keep you posted on them as soon I as hear something.

May God Bless you, and Thank you!

Routine Dr.'s Visit

Last Monday I had a visit to the LVAD Clinic, and it was a great visit.  My left lung was clear of all the fluid, (thank God) which has resulted in breathing much better.  :)  When we first found out I was going to have this LVAD, we knew I was going to need 24/7 supervision for 3 months.  I have been blessed to have my Mother staying with us Monday - Friday.  She never hesitated when the question was asked who would be able to do it, she has cooked, cleaned, and done our laundry for months.  My two questions during last weeks visit, were "When can I take a shower", and "Do I still need to have care/supervision"?  I received a super cool shower bag, and was told I no longer needed 24 hour care.  While I was ecstatic about taking a shower, I couldn't imagine not having my mom here with me.  She's always been my best friend, and to have her live with us was such a blessing.  I know the boys probably made her tick, along with trying to keep the house clean and organized, monitoring me, and never finishing laundry....  We never had dirty clothes.  :)  Yesterday was my first full day without Mom and with Kuper watching Little Bill over and over.  I do miss my Mom, because it's not quite the same without her here, however, I am extremely thrilled she is now back with my Dad. Health wise, he is not doing so great either, so having her back makes me feel much more comfortable.

I will visit the coumadin clinic this week to have my INR checked, and I don't go back to the LVAD clinic until August 19.  The next visit to the LVAD clinic will be my 3 month check up, and this visit will be a very important one.  I will have a series of test done to determine if my heart is healing, which will include an Echo to see if the ejection fraction has increased.  I am asking for prayers for healing.  I know God has been with me each step in this journey, and whatever the outcome, there is a lesson.  My lesson throughout this journey has been patience.  I have learned that my plans are not necessarily what God has planned for me, so whatever he has in store for me, I will be faithful to him and take what he gives me.
Take care and may God Bless You