Dustin’s Story

Site created on April 28, 2021

On April 16 Dustin was feeling tired and had difficulty breathing, he went into the Glenwood hospital thinking that he had phnueima. Once in the hospital Dr's discovered that he had an irregular heart beat. After several tests Dustin was transferred to St Cloud hospital late on Friday April 16. Dustin was monitored and went through several more tests to figure out what was going on. On Saturday April 17 Dustin's heart was operating at only 15-20% and some of his other organs started shutting down. At 3pm Dustin had surgery to install a heart pump to help sync his heart and assist in the work. After surgery Dustin's color came back and things were looking up. They had to sedate Dustin because he wanted to get up and go.  Over night they had to adjust the heart pump because it was not functioning correctly. Sunday started off with the Dr's having to stop his heart because his heart rate was too fast. They were able to get his heart rate to a comfortable level. Late Sunday night St Cloud was unable to regulate his heart rate and transferred Dustin to the University of Minnesota Minneapolis. Dustin arrived in Minneapolis in very critical condition. Dr's hooked him up to an ECMO machine to regulate his heart rate as well as push more oxygen into his blood stream. He was sedated and hooked up to a respirator as well. Things were touch and go at first but by the end of the day Monday April 19 things were starting to look up. His levels were more stable and they were able to regulate his heart rate.  Mid week Dr's felt comfortable to start lowering the amount of work the ECMO machine was doing and let Dustin's heart take over. On Saturday April 24 they were able to remove the ECMO machine and Dustin's heart was able to maintain on its own. Dustin has been making progress every day, last I heard he is awake and they even had him sitting up in chair. They are working on getting the respirator removed

Newest Update

Journal entry by Carla Lundblad

Dustin had several appointments yesterday at the University.  He saw Dr Krishnamurthy who he saw at rehab at the University and Dr Chen who is the defibrillator doctor at the University.  He had an echo  and an EKG done. Dr Chen  called with the results from the echo this morning.  His heart is functioning at 40-45% , normal being 50%. The hope was that it would be at 40%. She said he can send the defibrillator vest and said he will not be needing to have a permanent defibrillator implant. This was such a great answer to prayers! She also said he can stop taking Eliquis and Amiodarone. He still suppose to have a virtual appointment with Dr Alexy,  who is the heart failure doctor, which he will decide if he's able to start work. We are expecting that he will give the okay to start work. Also, Dustin has the move this week back to his house.  I really miss having him here, however, I'm so happy that he is able to resume a normal life. I have been reflecting on his whole journey since  April 17th and the progress he has made. It's just mind blowing!

There have been so many prayers answered concerning Dustin's health and I'm so thankful for all of the prayers.  I don't think he could've made all the progress he made had it not been for that!

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