Here's the latest from Peter's sister........
Day 44. Peter is still in ICU. He is very aware and becomes agitated when
trying to communicate. The past week has been tough. We are learning about the
phases and time lines from other successful heart transplant recipients who are
walking around enjoying life 24 months later. Peter is enduring a tough chapter
in his life and one apparently has to go through it. Unfortunately, for Peter,
he is experiencing extreme and puzzling complications. But there have been
worse cases - which is somehow reassuring.
Peter has a fungal infection in his sternum that is being treated with
antifungal medications. The doctors are watching this extremely closely. More
surgery to "clean up" the infection around the sternum is an option they are
assessing. But Peter is weak so they are reluctant to perform invasive tests or
surgery.
Peter has extreme muscle loss and decreased motor skills dues to inactivity for
over 40 days. He will need lots of physio. Peter has a trachiotomy and
practices breathing without out it for short periods of time to strengthen his
lungs. They watch his white blood cell count closely and many other indicators.
Nutrition is a concern. He is having trouble with digestion and elimination.
Vicky and Peter and the family ask you to keep the prayers coming their way.
Prayer is working well.
Peter enjoys hearing the voices of his friends. If you are able send a 60
second audio clip to Ross Snider <
[email protected]> and Eric Bruce Simpson
<
[email protected]>, they will play them for Peter on their iphones during
visits. This is a great way to connect with Peter without visiting in person.
Video clips will work too.
If you would like to leave a message of good cheer, for Vicky, call 519 287 3138
in the afternoon or evening while she is at the hospital. She looks after Peter
from 2 pm - 10 p.m. and does her work in the morning. She is managing
extremely well as are Eric and Owen. The farm is operating clickety-click.
Gary and Sherri Johnston visit the hospital every day to support Vicky. Sherri
is our family medical consultant who helps with interpretation. Close friends
are scheduled to attend the hosptal every day. Mom was pleased to visit Pete on
Friday and is looking forward to visiting him more often as he progresses.
We can't wait for him to graduate upwards to "the fourth floor" - the transplant
wing where all the transplant recipients are recovering and exercising.
Vicky is a super health advocate. Everyone needs a health advocate like Vicky!
Even if you think you have signed your donor card, please take a few minutes and
check the registry on-line at
https://beadonor.ca/mary-simpson. It is no longer
adequate to just sign a wallet card.
Also, please give blood if you can.
Dec 28: Blood Donor Clinic, Friday December 28th 5 - 8 pm. Glencoe Agricultural
Hall, 268 Currie Street, Dance Hall on East Side of Building. New Donors and
walk-ins welcome. Book your appointment to save a life.
www.blood.ca and
1-888-236-6283. See:
https://www.facebook.com/events/421300797941704/
Love,
Mary and Ross
22688 Tait's Road, RR 4,
Glencoe, ON, N0L 1M0, Canada
Tel: (519) 287-3566
Cell: (519) 318-1074
Fax: (519) 287-2241
http://www.facebook.com/simpsonma