Kidney Transplant?

During one of Levi's hospital visits in the past few months the transplant surgeon mentioned doing a kidney transplant at the same time as the heart transplant.  Levi only has one kidney and we know that heart failure affects kidneys and that the transplant medications are hard on kidneys.  Still, we kinda just blew it off since no one has ever said his kidney was not functioning properly.

Well, this past Monday (August 5th) he went for a kidney transplant consultation.  They did a ton of tests (not quite as many as for the heart transplant consultation) and determined that his kidney is working at 44% of capacity.  It has to be down to 20% to be considered for a transplant.

So, it's good news that he doesn't need a kidney transplant but also concerning to know that it is not working as well as we had assumed.

We have more questions now than we did before .... and no answers yet.  But we know God is in control!

A Long Day at the Hospital

Levi had his heart transplant evaluation today.  He met with a social worker, a transplant coordinator, a dietitian and had more tests run.  The tests included blood work, an ultrasound of his carotid artery in his neck, a check of the pressure in his legs and a CT of his brain.  He has to go back for an abdominal ultrasound.

He is on the transplant list at a Status 4 -- Status 1 is the most urgent and Status 7 is the least.  We are assuming that means a transplant is not imminent at this time.

With the recent changes in his medication he is feeling pretty good.  Thank you, everyone, for your prayers!

Defibrillator

The condition of Levi's heart was causing the doctors to be concerned that he didn't have a defibrillator.  So, he had one implanted last week.  He was quite sore for a few days and has lift restrictions for four weeks. 

Stress Echo Test

Levi had a stress echo test this week which verified that his heart is under performing and does not show any signs of improvement. So, they are getting him on the transplant list. They'll be performing a heart cath within the next couple of weeks along with implanting a defibrillator as they don't feel it is safe for him to continue without a defibrillator for much longer.  They've tweaked his medications some more, too. The heart cath will most likely give us a clearer idea of what the time frame is for transplant and probably determine whether or not they want to keep Levi in ICU while waiting for a heart.

American Heart Association

I've been unable to find any information about the AHA helping individual heart patients.  Does anyone have any information?

Prayers needed for Levi!

In November, Levi began struggling to breathe because of fluid around his lungs.  His doctors determined that his heart was failing due to rejection.  They took action to reverse the rejection and he felt much better and was able to visit family for the holidays.

So far in 2019 Levi has had a few hospital stays due to heart failure symptoms.  These symptoms are due to restricted blood flow to and from his heart.  The doctors have put him on new meds and adjusted others.  His heart is somewhat stabilized but still considered to be in failure. 

At this point he is doing okay and trying to do things as normally as possible since he's not technically on the list for another transplant yet. We should know more within the next couple months.

Please join us in praying for healing for his heart, wisdom for the doctors, and financial support.

From Patient to Strongman

Before his heart transplant, Levi would get winded climbing a flight of stairs.  But look at him now!

This is him this past weekend competing in the Houston Strongest Man and Woman Competition!  Can you believe it?  I never would have dreamed this!

Navigators at The University of Texas at San Antonio

Levi and Jessica have moved to San Antonio to begin their college mission work with Navigators on the campus of University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA).  They have been unable to raise full support so are currently looking for part-time jobs to supplement their income.  This also means that they do not have health insurance at this time.  Levi's medications are extremely expensive so please pray for them!!

They are very excited to be at UTSA fulfilling what God has called them to do.  They are working with several student leaders, teaching and encouraging them in their own fulfillment of God's plans. 

Levi's band just released a new album titled A House Not Built With Hands. It tells the story of Levi's heart transplant and if you like post-rock music you will love this!  You can get it on itunes or bandcamp.  The profits from this album are being donated to Levi to help with medical expenses .... so buy two!!