The Cath Results

We went to our follow up appointment today with the advanced heart failure/Transplant group. We expected to walk in and get their review of the catch that was done on Friday. We assumed they would say "well as you know Jim’s heart is much weaker, so we really need to begin to think about a transplant sometime in the future." That is not what happened at all. The doctor looked very concerned and said we needed to be considered immediately for a transplant. (We began the process within the hour) He said Jim’s heart function was not good at all. The only detail we understood was that the average male heart pumps blood, at rest, approximately 5 liters of blood per min. Jim’s only pumps 1.4 liters per min. He said this number alone requires that Jim be considered for the transplant list immediately. He went on to tell Jim not to exercise at all. As the doctor put it “You are not to lift anything, do anything, and if you have to walk you must walk gently.” Jim is not one to follow restrictions like these but he has no choice. Jim even ate a salad for supper last night.

We were reminded again that transplants carry huge risks. There is a limited life expectancy, even after the transplant. In addition to this we will have to make arrangements to be within two hours of Birmingham when we are put on the list. Post-transplant, Jim will require 24/7 care for 6-8 weeks. At this point you must live within 15 minutes of UAB. So we have a lot to think about. We love Philly and the work God has allowed us to do. The elders have truly blessed us and they are leading the congregation in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. We pray that something will allow us to stay and work with this great congregation for many, many years.

 We must remember “God will provide” and “All things will work together for good” (Genesis 22:8; Romans 8:28)

We will return to Birmingham in four weeks for the remainder of the testing. Please pray for our upcoming decisions and that Jim may have the best quality of life possible.