Mikayla’s Story

Site created on February 7, 2023

My name is Mikayla Anderson, I am 19 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with advanced heart failure. It all began one weekend in October 2022, when I started feeling short of breath and tightness in my chest. I ended up at the ER early that Saturday morning and was admitted with a high heart rate and an abnormal EKG. After a chest X-Ray and some blood tests, the doctors thought that I may have pneumonia but wanted to do one more test. An echocardiogram was preformed and what they thought was pneumonia ended up being discovered as advanced heart failure, specially known as Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction or HFrEF. Several tests later, they determined that my condition was too advanced and transferred me to Banner University Medical Center for better treatment. There, I spent several days in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and tried to learn more about this scary diagnosis. Since then there have been several twists and turns in my treatment plans but it seems as though we are gearing up for a heart transplant. My ejection fraction has hovered around 15%-20% (should be 50%-65%) with the help of medications but has not significantly improved. All of this has been such a stressful time for myself and my family and we are so grateful for our extended family and friends who have been incredibly supportive and caring during this time. 



Update 3/26/23– It is now 7 days post op from my surgery and I have a beautifully functioning heart! We are in constant prayer for my donor and their family and hope that one day we can even attempt to show our gratitude for the life saving actions of organ donation. 

Newest Update

April 05, 2023

Journal entry by grace keedy-anderson —

Mikayla’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable and is certainly a miracle indeed!  The post-transplant care is 3-4 days a week back at Mayo,  starting early in the morning at 7:50 for labs, then multiple appointments and procedures throughout the day! Her spirits remain good although we have noticed the bloating and mood swings caused by the medications. Pain is still an issue but we have appointments with wound care and pain management too. Today she started with labs this morning, more appointments and is currently having the first post transplant biopsy! 🙏God is good and she will continue to make good progress but realizing that sometimes progress is 2 steps forward and one step backwards but moving in the right direction!  
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, meals, cards, and love!  It really encourages her and our family and is so much appreciated!


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