Thomas’s Story

Site created on June 15, 2020

In Mid March 2020 he contracted a virus that over the last few months has destroyed his heart and gave him severe pulmonary embolisms in both lungs. On Wednesday, June 10th, the cardiology department at the Banner hospital, in Tucson, AZ informed him that they felt that he needed a heart transplant. Due to his fragile state, they made arrangements for him to be transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix the next day to be evaluated for a heart transplant.  Due to the rapid decline of his condition over the weekend, Monday, June 15th the team inserted an Intra Aortic Balloon Pump  (IABP) Through one of the arteries in his leg to buy him a few days. On Tuesday, June 16th, they approved him for a heart transplant. Between his damaged lungs and body over the last few months, he is not strong enough for the heart transplant. As a bridge to a new heart the team had to install a more permanent pump on Wednesday, June 17th called a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). This will supplement his heart over the next 6 months or more while his body recovers and becomes strong enough for the heart transplant. Once his body is strong enough and the transplant has been performed, he will be down another 6 months or more recovering. 

Newest Update

Kicking ass!

Journal entry by John Hunt —

Strength = Successful Outcome! Building up for a heart transplant. Getting stronger and stronger every day! Cardio rehab at Mayo Scottsdale and weights near apartment. Time to cowboy up!
Read More of the journal titled "Kicking ass!"
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