David’s Story

Site created on February 17, 2024

As many of you are aware, Dave was riding his bike on December 26th when a car pulled out in front of him and hit him. He was pretty banged up but overall alright. After some scans it was determined that he had a torn MCL that would require surgery. Surgery was scheduled and on 1/27, as part of the routine pre-op screening, he had an EKG. The cardiologist that reviewed the results noticed some abnormalities and advised him to get to the ER right away. When he got there, they ran more tests and confirmed an arrhythmia. It was too soon to tell what exactly we were dealing with, but the best course of action was to admit him. After extensive testing, including a biopsy of his heart,  he would be diagnosed with a condition called Giant Cell Myocarditis. Giant Cell is an extremely rare and very serious type of autoimmune disease that attacks and inflames your heart, usually leading to a heart transplant. In Dave's case, he has received a pacemaker/ICD, and is on high doses of steroids and immune suppressants to try to stop his body from attacking his heart. He is in very critical shape and his treatment plan varies hour by hour/day by day.  He was transported by ambulance to a transplant hospital in Ft. Lauderdale while we try to get him stable and in good shape for a potential heart transplant. Dave is young, in good shape, and in the words of his team, a perfect candidate for a transplant. He is strong, he's a fighter, and let's not forget stubborn! We are keeping faith that he is going to come out on the other side of this even stronger and ready to get out on the golf course and playing with his grandkids before we know it. 

Newest Update

April 10, 2024- One month post transplant!

Journal entry by Joanne Riehle —

Today marks one month since Dave received the gift of his new heart. Some days it seems like ages ago and others like it just happened. 
Dave is feeling pretty good and is slowly regaining his strength. He has graduated from using a walker all the time to now not using it at all which is a huge improvement. Dave lost 35 lbs and has a long way to go to regain the muscles he once had, but does start Cardiac Rehab on Friday which will be great for him both physically and mentally to feel like he is back at the gym! 
Dave's lab work has continued to come back really well since the transplant and we pray that this continues! 
We will be in Ft Lauderdale through the end of the Month as he has to be within 30 minutes of his hospital for now, but are so looking forward to moving back to Naples and our new "normal". 
We are so grateful for the amazing family and friends we have and all of the support we continue to receive.
We cannot thank you all for the support, good wishes, donations, and most importantly the prayers we have received. We feel incredibly blessed to have you all in our lives. 
Read More of the journal titled "April 10, 2024- One month post transplant!"
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