Terry’s Story

Site created on May 7, 2018

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Dad has been struggling for years with a heart that just was not cooperating. Several procedures to include many ablations and pace makers still could not bring his heart into control. In the early fall of 2017, his cardiologists recommended a heart transplant which started the long journey of doctor visits and tests he was eventually approved to be put on the transplant list late fall. He was then classified with 1A transplant status in Jan 8,  2018 at which time he was admitted to ICU at Keck Medical Center of USC where he stayed for almost two months. He then had to come home Feb 24, 2018 due to a diagnosed infection. During this time he was on hefty meds to get the infection under control and lasted about three weeks. He was also downgraded to 1B but when he returned to the hospital April 3, 2018 , he quickly regained his 1A status.  


On May 5, 2018 dad was informed that he had a heart. No time was wasted and thankfully I flew in from San Jose, CA the day before to be there for the entire process. Mom and I reached the hospital in time to discuss the procedure and upcoming challenges with the surgeon. This will be a long road but we believe the care dad is receiving at Keck Medical is top notch.


Thanks for visiting,
Matt Kimsey

Newest Update

Heart Transplant Anniversary - May 5, 2019

Journal entry by Matt Kimsey —

Hard to believe how fast this last year went but I am happy to say that dad is doing great!

Aside from some aches and pains due to old age and medication side effects, dad's heart is going strong. He gets out often for walks and tries to stay active. We have made some changes to the house, new laundry room, bathroom and master bedroom remodeled to help make both my parents more comfortable. 

Dad still goes to many appointments for bloodwork and medicine adjustments but good news is things are stabilizing nicely. He will have his 1 year checkup where they perform a stress test and bloodwork; if all goes well, he will graduate from his transplant doctor and will see his favorite cardiologist for his future checkups. 
Read More of the journal titled "Heart Transplant Anniversary - May 5, 2019"
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