Update at the Mayo Hospital

First of all, Lee & I want to thank all of you for your prayers.  We have prayers and are on prayer chains from Canada to Mexico, from the West Coast to the East Coast and from the states of: WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, VT, NY, NC, GA, PA ... and I'm certain there are more.  Truly, it is humbling and amazing. The Lord heard them and as of now, Lee does not have any signs of bacteria in his heart.  PRAISE OUR LORD.  Thank you all so much for the texts, email, cards and encouragement.  Each and every one is very very much appreciated.

On Thursday, a T.E.E. (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) was performed on Lee.  The procedure uses a scope inserted into the throat to look at the heart valve and surrounding tissue.  Lee has a mechanical valve (graphite) and also an ICD with pacemaker, including 3 leads (wires), which makes it easy for bacteria to stick and grow on the non-organic materials.  Endocarditis (inflammation /infection of heart lining) is a grave concern with the bacterial infection in the bloodstream.  It is difficult to treat and requires longer courses of antibiotics to treat.

His PICC line was pulled and that was cultured and checked for bacteria also.  It tested positive which was not surprising but also led to greater possibility of the heart being infected.

By Friday afternoon we were told that the heart looks clear of infection.  More blood was drawn to be cultured every 24 hours for the next 5 days.  We need to have 48 hours of negative results for bacteria and then the new PICC line can be placed.  The Infectious Disease doctor is monitoring the process and comes to see us once or twice each day.  He said the staph bug was one of the wimpy strains so that is even better news.  They identified a couple more strains of bacteria and all can be effectively treated with the Vancomycin that is currently being administered.

If all goes perfectly well (continued prayers for this please), Lee will be released from the Mayo Hospital on Monday.  We will be giving Lee iv antibiotics at home for 2 weeks, then back for another T.E.E. and more blood cultures.  When all is clear, he can then be placed back on the heart transplant list.

Last evening, Lee was feeling less tired and had less aching in his muscles so the antibiotics seemed to be clearing the bacterial infection.  Today he is feeling better still.  He is glad to have March Madness to keep him occupied somewhat.